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.

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Department of Arkansas 2019 Contest Information Packet

(Application & Certification Forms Included)

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2019 Assigned Topics

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Applications must be submitted to Department Headquarters by 04 January 2019

*Certifications must be submitted to Department Headquarters by 22 February 2019

Contest to be held on 16 March 2019 @ 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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2018 Contest Awards

1st Place - Britney McGloflin, Cabot

2nd Place - Sara Gardner, Fayetteville

3rd Place - Alexa Darracq, Mountain Home

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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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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

$14,000.00 as a 3rd Place finish, $16,000.00 as a 2nd Place finish or $18,000.00 as a 1st Place.

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.

Second Place Winner - $1,500.00

Third Place Winner - $1,000.00

The American Legion

National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program

" A Constitutional Speech Contest"

Welcome to

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Department of Arkansas

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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