Oratorical Contest

Develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution

Post 647 Cdr. Kurt Winkowski standing next to U.S. Constitution Oratorical contestant winner, Sylvie Karlstrand.
Post 647 Cdr. Kurt Winkowski and 2025 U.S. Constitution Oratorical contestant winner, Sylvie Karlstrand, a student from St. Joseph High School. She won at the Local Post (far left), District (middle) and Area (far right) levels.

Levels of the Oratorical Contest

There are five levels of the contest, with prises at each level. The winner of each level gets to proceed to the next level in the following order: Local > District > Area > State > National

Local Level - Sponsored by Leland J Thompson Post 647

About

The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge 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

The contest is open to all High School student's grades 9 through 12, Public, Home Schooled, Private, Parochial and Military. Eligible participants must be a citizen of, or lawful permanent resident of the United States and must be a resident of the State of California. You can compete each year you are eligible.

Contest Requirements

  1. An eight to ten minute prepared oration (speech without notes) on any aspect of the Constitution of the United States, with an emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to the government.

  2. A three to five minute discourse on one of four a possible assigned topics. Please review the oratorical topics on the Legion Headquarters website for further information.

Awards given by Leland J Thompson Post 647:

  • First Place = $250.00
  • Second Place = $150.00
  • Third Place = $100.00
  • Fourth Place = $25.00

District and Area Levels Oratorical Contests

Winners of our local Post 647 get to proceed to the District 10 level competition. If they win the District level, they will then complete again at the Area 2 level. The first place for the District level will receive $250 and $500 at the Area level.

State and National Levels Oratorical Contests

If students have interest in participating at the State or National level, you can find additional information about the Oratorical Contest on the American Legion Headquarters website.