PURPOSE - The purpose of the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak  clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the  duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American  citizenship.

ELIGIBILITY - Eligible  participants in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States.
All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of twenty (20) on the date of the National Contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or  junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state  accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine (9) and  terminating with grade twelve (12). Students must be enrolled in high  school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level  of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Contestants must either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the department (state) where they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition in only one department. The three finalists of the national contest will be ineligible for further participation at any level.

Post/District/Zone/State Contests

HOW TO ENTER -  Just contact your local American Legion Post  for entry into the local or district contest and complete this application.

State contestant prizes

The four zone winners will each receive an $800 scholarship, runners up will receive $200.00 scholarship. In addition to the Department scholarships, a $1,500.00 scholarship is awarded to each first round Department winner who participates in the National Contest. Each first  round winner who advances to and participates in the second round, but  does not advance to the Final Round will receive an additional $1,500 at the National Contest.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Post Competitions (Please contact your local post or district chairman for date and times.)

District Competitions

1^st District -

2^nd District –

3^rd District –

4^th District –

5^th District –

6^th District –

7^th District –

8^th District –

9^th District –

10^th District –

Zone Competitions

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

State Competition

March 8, 2009 1pm at the American Legion Department of Indiana, 777 N Meridian 4th floor DEC room, Indianapolis IN 46204

PREPARED ORATION - The subject to be used for  the Prepared Orations in the Oratorical Contest must be on some phase of the Constitution of the United States which will give emphasis to the  attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. The same subject and oration used in the Department Contest must be used in the National Contest. The prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must not take up less than eight  minutes or more that ten minutes for delivery. It must be delivered in the  English language.

In the Prepared Oration, as well as in the Assigned Topic discourse, quotations must be indicated as such. Where quotations are more than ten words in length, the author's name must be given in the manuscript and cited orally.

ASSIGNED TOPIC - The Assigned Topic discourse must not consume less than three (3) minutes or more than five (5) minutes for delivery. The purpose of the Assigned Topic discourse is to test the speaker's knowledge of the subject, the extent of  his research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic  principles of government under the Constitution. All Contestants at each  contest level are required to speak in the English language on the same  Assigned Topic.

CONTEST REGULATIONS

What to Wear -- Uniforms are not permitted. Appropriate business attire is required by all contestants. Contestants are not permitted to  wear awards and medals from previous competition.
Travel Expenses -- The Department of Indiana will pay the  travel and lodging expenses of Area Winners and their chaperone to the State Contest. All contestants must be accompanied by a chaperone over 21 years of age.
Speaking Order -- A drawing will be held to determine the order  in which the contestants will appear. Contestants will be introduced by  number only.
Notes or Podium -- The use of notes, amplification, lectern or speakers stand by contestants or prompting in any manner is not permitted. Props are not permitted.
Participation -- Contestants are required to remain in a private  room where the discourse of the other speakers cannot be heard until it is their turn to speak.

The Assigned Topic Discourse must not consume less than  three (3) minutes or more than five (5) minutes for delivery. The purpose  of the Assigned Topic Discourse is to test the speaker's knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the  Constitution.

The Assigned Topic shall be drawn by the contest official in full view of the audience immediately before the last speaker begins delivery of his/her Prepared Oration and will be made known to the audience and each  contestant approximately five (5) minutes prior to the time of delivery.  The topic will be on some phase of the Constitution of the United States,  selected from Articles and Sections as listed under Assigned Topics for  the current year's contest.

All contestants at each contest level are required to speak in the English language on the same Assigned Topic.

The American Legion Department of Indiana 

777 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 or call: (317) 630-1200