High School Orators Wanted
The American Legion Post 178 is seeking high school orators to participate in its 2023 Oratorical Scholarship Contest which will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 9 am in the main auditorium at The Grove at Frisco Commons. Contestants must be students in a high school (9-12) program and be less than 20 years old to compete.
The speech contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship.
Young orators earn generous college scholarships. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. Scholarships include $25,000 for the national winner, $22,500 for second, and $20,000 for third. Contestants who participate in the national contest’s first round will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The scholarships can be used at any college or university in the U.S.
High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Scholarships may be awarded at the post, district, division, and state contests. At the state contest, $2,500 is awarded the winner, $1,500 to second, and $1,000 to third.
Speaking subjects must be on an aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with an emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are 8-10 minutes long; 3–5 minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.
Assigned Topics for 2025/2026 Oratorical Contest
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Article III
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
Article IV
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Article VI
Clause 3. The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
For more information go to:
https://legion.org/oratorical/top
https://txlegion.org/programs/oratorical
https://legion.org/oratorical,
For questions, contact Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander-Programs at 336 – 418 – 0005 or friscolegion.oratorical@gmail.com.