High school students in the Naperville area are invited to consider participating in the Annual National Oratorical Contest sponsored by the American Legion. Since 1938, the annual contest has been focused on a speech regarding the U.S. Constitution, providing students with an opportunity to compete for scholarships as well as gain appreciation for the world’s longest surviving written charter of government.
The Naperville contest level is scheduled for 1:30PM Sat., Jan. 7, 2023. Participants will present at the American Legion Post 43 Headquarters, located upstairs at 10 W. Chicago Avenue.
The National Oratorical Contest is designed to give high school students (whether attending public, private or home schools) a greater appreciation of the Constitution of the United States, while developing leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently. Participating also is an opportunity to prepare for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, rights and privileges of American Citizenship.
Winner(s) at this preliminary contest may be invited to compete at the District contest the following Sunday, Jan 8.
Monetary prizes are awarded at all levels of competition.
Scholarships range from $2,000 to $25,000
In fact, participants have opportunities to earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. The overall national contest winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000.
Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Other participants who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.
Participants shall be citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States and in grades 9-12. Complete eligibility requirements are found on the national American Legion website.
Help spread news about National Oratorical Contest
Teachers, coaches, friends, neighbors, parents and other family members are encouraged to help spread the word to high-school-age members of the community about this opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.
Further rules and information may be found at the American Legion Post 43 website or by contacting Neal Kemp at (630) 204-6658 or via email at kemp1112@aol.com.
American Legion Post 43 also presents…
7th and 8th Oratorical Contest / Jan. 19, 2023
In addition, the Naperville American Legion Post 43 will hold its 18th Annual 7th and 8th Grade Oratorical Contest at 6PM on Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023, at the Post in downtown Naperville.
The contest winner and second-place finishers are invited to participate in the DuPage County American Legion contest on Sat., Feb. 26, 2023, at the Cantigny Visitor Center Theater, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL. Cash prizes will be awarded at both the Naperville and DuPage County level.
For more information, contact Chairman Neil Kemp at (630) 204-6658 or via email at kemp1112@aol.com.
Americanism Essay / Submit by Feb. 1, 2023
For young individuals that are more comfortable writing, our Post is resurrecting the Americanism Essay contest. This years topic is “Who Are Our Modern Patriots?”
The essay is limited to no more than 500 words (not counting a, an, and, & the)
This contest is open to students in grades 7 to 12 with $100 post level prize for each class 1st place winner. Those winners go on to the District and then Division levels for additional cash prizes and/or scholarships up to $1,200!
Class 1: 7th-8th Grade
Class 2: 9th-10th Grade
Class 3: 11th-12th Grade
The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2023
Please see this PDF for additional information and rules on this writing contest, CLICK HERE
For more information, contact Chairman Neil Kemp at (630) 204-6658 or via email at kemp1112@aol.com.
