Dodge City, Kansas – Honoring Veterans, Promoting Patriotism, Serving Our Community
Constitutional Knowledge, Public Speaking, and Civic Leadership
The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of the United States Constitution while building confidence, leadership, and public-speaking skills.
The Oratorical Contest gives eligible students an opportunity to study the Constitution and communicate its principles before an audience. Contestants are evaluated on their constitutional knowledge, preparation, organization, delivery, and ability to explain the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
Students may advance through local, district, Department of Kansas, and national levels of competition while competing for scholarship opportunities.
Contestants prepare and deliver an original speech related to the United States Constitution. The speech should demonstrate knowledge of constitutional principles and may emphasize the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship.
Contestants also deliver a shorter speech on an assigned constitutional topic. This portion evaluates the student’s ability to understand, organize, and clearly communicate constitutional ideas with limited preparation.
The contest is intended for eligible high school students. Participation may be available to students attending public, private, charter, or home schools, subject to the official rules for the current contest year.
Students, parents, teachers, counselors, and school administrators should contact Post 47 for current eligibility requirements and local participation information.
Develop a stronger understanding of the nation’s founding document and the principles of American government.
Practice organization, delivery, audience awareness, and confident public communication.
Qualified contestants may compete for scholarship opportunities as they advance through each level of the program.
Strengthen preparation, responsibility, confidence, civic knowledge, and leadership skills.
The Oratorical Contest is conducted annually. Local, district, Department of Kansas, and national dates are announced for each contest year.
Charles Earnest Scott American Legion Post 47 encourages eligible students from Dodge City and surrounding communities to participate. We also welcome inquiries from teachers, counselors, schools, and homeschool families.
For information about local participation, eligibility, contest preparation, or school involvement, contact the Post 47 Second Vice Commander.
Charles Earnest Scott American Legion Post 47
801 South 14 Avenue
Dodge City, KS 67801
Email: [email protected]
“The Oratorical Contest challenges students not only to understand the Constitution, but also to find the confidence and clarity to explain why its principles still matter.”