The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to ten minutes long; three-to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.______________________________________
Department of Arkansas 2020 Contest Information Packet
(Application & Certification Forms Included)
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2020 Contest Assigned Topics
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Applications must be submitted to Department Headquarters by 03 January 2020
*Certifications must be submitted to Department Headquarters by 22 February 2020
Contest will be held on Saturday, 29 February 2020 @ 10:00 AM, tentatively at the
Bank of American Building, 200 West Capital (Capital and Center Street), Little Rock, Arkansas
Contestants and spectators need to be in-place by 10 a.m.
Volunteers need to arrive at 9 a.m.
Street parking is available
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2019 Contest Awards
1st Place - Jack Minnick, Fort Smith
2nd Place - Alyssa Allen, Gravette
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*Certification for the Department (State) contest means that a student must present
his/her oration to the Post and/or a civic organization three (3) times as organized by the
Post Oratorical Chairman.
Posts can certify all students who apply and follow the above rule or Posts can sponsor a contest
to determine whom they will certify for the Department (State) contest
Students certified by a Post will proceed to the Department (State) Contest
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The Department of Arkansas First Place Winner - $2,000.00 plus an all expense paid trip,
with chaperone, to Indianapolis, IN. to compete in the National American Legion Oratorical Contest
for a chance to earn
$20,000.00 as a 1st Place, $17,000.00 as a 2nd Place finish or $15,000.00 as a 3rd Place finish.
The Department First Place Winner who participates in the first round of the National Contest
will receive a $1,500.00 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to the second round,
but does not advance to the Final Round will receive an additional $1,500.00 scholarship.
Department of Arkansas Second Place Winner - $1,500.00
Department of Arkansas Third Place Winner - $1,000.00
The American Legion
National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
" A Constitutional Speech Contest"
Welcome to
The American Legion
Department of Arkansas
eMail:
"Still Serving America"
Are you a member of
The American Legion?
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Renew your membership?
Arkansas Legion Family polo shirts
are now available to purchase.
The red shirt will be offered with a left breast pocket and in a ladies cut without the pocket. These 3-button shirts are a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester. The State Diamond is embroidered on the right side. Legion Family is stitched on the left side above the pocket and on the left sleeve.
Net proceeds from the sale of these shirts support the Department of Arkansas Legion Family programs.
Order your Department of Arkansas Polo Shirts HERE
P.O. Box 3280 -- 7th & Victory Street Little Rock, AR 72203
Toll Free/Mobil Link: 1-877-243-9799
501-375-1104 -- Fax: 501-375-4236
For God and Country
