The purpose of this program is to provide high school students with a deeper understanding of the Constitution of the United States, develop and sharpen their speaking skills, and compete for scholarship money ranging from $800 - $1,500 (Department Contest) and $14,000  - $18,000 (National Contest).

A contestant must have sponsorship (representation by an American Legion Post) to qualify for the contest.  If you don’t know of an American Legion Post to ask for sponsorship, contact your Zone Chairman to assist you with this matter.

A contestant must register with their American Legion Oratorical Zone Chairman by January 4, 2010 (see the last page of the program information sheets for your Zone Chairman).  Your Zone Chairman will notify you of the dates, times and locations of all contests at the District and Zone level.  All Zone contests will be conducted before Monday, February 1, 2010 and the Department contest will be conducted on Saturday, February 27, 2010.

If unable to contact your Zone Chairman, Department Administrative Assistant for Programs Deanna Clark can be reached by e-mail at programs@michiganlegion.org or by phone at 517-371-4720 ext. 11.