Oratorical Contest
Overview
The Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest is an annual event that challenges high school students to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution through public speaking. Participants prepare and deliver speeches on constitutional topics, fostering civic engagement and leadership skills. The state champion receives a $1,500 scholarship and advances to the national competition, where top winners can earn scholarships up to $25,000.
Details:
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2026 Dates & Details will be provided soon
What Is the Oratorical Contest?
High school students under the 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.
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. Constitutional speeches are eight to ten minutes long in addition to a three to five minute speech on an assigned topic.
Contact
American Legion Department of Minnesota
20 West 12th Street, Room 300-A
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1800
Toll-free: 866-259-9163
Fax: 651-291-1057
