Oratorical

The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program

"A Constitutional Speech Contest"

The American Legion Oratorical contests can be financially as well as educationally rewarding. High School students who are U. S. citizens or lawful residents can hone their speaking skills while learning about the U.S. Constitution.

Department-level scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000, with Zone Winner receiving $500 and runner-ups receiving $200. At the National level, they range from $20,000 to $25,000.

The State Contest will be held on March 28, 2026 Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. Arrival time: 11:30 am; Start time: Noon

2026 Application

Assigned Topics for 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.

Amendment 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.

Amendment 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.

Amendment 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.

Questions: Contact American Legion, Department of Michigan headquarters at (517) 220-2754 or email at legion@michiganlegion.org.