National High School Oratorical Contest
ListedCompetition
- Award
- National winner $25,000; second $22,500; third $20,000; each state winner in the national first round $2,000, plus $2,000 more for advancing past round one. Over $203,500 total.
- Deadline
- Local post and state department entry dates vary. The 2027 national finals are May 14 to May 16, 2027 at Hillsdale College, Michigan, with mandatory orientation on Friday evening.
- How to apply
- Contact your local American Legion post or state department. Advance through local and state contests; each department certifies one national contestant. Deliver an 8-to-10-minute Constitutional oration and a 3-to-5-minute assigned-topic speech without notes, props or amplification. The four 2027 assigned topics are posted. Both speeches are required for scholarship payment.
- What you'll need
- A speech or recorded oration
- A finalist round or selection weekend
- Who can apply
- U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents under 20 on the national contest date, enrolled in grades 9-12 at high-school level, including home school. Enter only one department in which you reside or attend school. Early graduates may compete if not enrolled in higher education at the state finals. Previous national top-three finalists cannot compete again.
- Good to know
- Awards may be used at a U.S. college or university. National contestant and chaperone travel/lodging are paid; the chaperone must be over 21.
- Details
- CivicsPermanent residents eligible