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What is the Oratorical Constitutional Speech Scholarship Contest?

The Constitutional Speech contest, an 90 year old program, exists to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution.
Presents participants with important life skills.
Additional opportunities to earn cumulative significant scholarships.

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Leadership Qualities

History of our nations laws.
Ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently.
Understanding of rights, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship.

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Scholarships

At the national contest, $203,500 in scholarships are awarded each year
National winner gets $25,000, 2^nd $22,500, 3^rd $20,000
Opportunity to earn $2,000 scholarships depending on participation level.
$5,000 awarded to State level participants
Post and District level scholarships are also awarded to winners
Post Scholarships have been increased to $500. We are allowed up to 4 scholarship awards per year, and an opportunity to go to District.

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Contest Details

Open to 9^th to 12^th graders under 20 years old
Competition levels: Post-District-Division-Department(State)-National
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the constitution
Prepared speeches must be 8-10 minutes in length
Assigned Topic speeches are 3-5 minutes in length
The purpose of the 2 speech format is to test the speakers’ knowledge of the subject, extent of research and ability to discuss the topic
Assigned topics list will be available prior to the contest and a blind draw the day of the contest will determine which topic will be orated.

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Additional Information

Post 178 may advance 4 contestants to the District contest
Post 178 has advanced 4 contestants to the District for the past 8 yrs
Post 178 contest will be held December 14, 2024, at the Grove, 8am
District contest will be held January 4, 2025. Division prior to February 10 and State on February 20 2023.
Each Participant must complete a registration and release form. A copy of their prepared speech must be submitted before the contest.
We ask that no more than 2 prioritized contestants be submitted from each school. First priority contestants will be guaranteed a spot. Open positions will be offered to 2^nd priorities in the order of submission. Deadline for submission this year will be eod 11/15/2024.
Participants earn Double NSDA points for each event.

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Additional Information (continued)

Last year we had 15 FISD students and one from Plano sign up to compete.
Last year’s program was the largest of any Post contest in the state. It was also the most competitive we have had at Post 178 in terms of closeness of scores.
Four moved forward to District and received $500 Scholarships from Post 178.
We hope to repeat this success with your help in 2024.

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Judges for the Post 178 Contest

We have been fortunate and blessed to have high Quaity judging for our contest over the years.
This year we again have returning experienced judges for our competition:

Dr. Jill Siler renowned author, speaker, former school superintendent, and Texas State Education developer of school administration resources
Angelia Pelham, current Frisco City council member, speech consultant and MLK oratory contest creator and Director.
John Keating, current Frisco City council member
Eileen Ellege founder of “Speaking Excellence” executive speaking development and coach. Coached an American Legion National winner.
Rob Altman

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Eligibility

The American Legion Oratorical contest is open to any student who is enrolled in classes equivalent to the regular 9-12 high school grades
All students must be under 20 years of age
All students must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
The student must compete in the District their sponsoring Post is located.
Locate your nearest Post at www.legion.org/posts
Additional references: friscolegion.org/programs/oratorical, txlegion.org/programs/oratorical, legion.org/oratorical/about
Contact: Terry Gilbert, (friscolegion.programs@gmail.com) Ph-336-418-0005

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