American Legion High School Constitutional Speech Scholarship

For a well-prepared, talented student (gr 9 – 12), there is an excellent possibility of garnering some money for college from this competitive speech program.  Critical Date:  Vermont contest application deadline (http://vtlegion.org/documents/OratoricalApplication2019.pdf ) is no later than December 4, 2019 Completing the application doesn’t obligate the student to participate.  It does give me, the Department Chair, an idea where to focus our limited resources for the best possible outcomes.  Once I receive an application, I can find a local American Legion post to support the student and help them move forward. This following information should be of interest toHigh school studentsParents seeking financial resources for collegeForensics coachesSchool club advisors such as for the National Honor SocietyAny interested teacherWHY consider participating in the American Legion (AL) Oratorical Contest, a Constitutional Speech competition? This program presents 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. Directly related to speaking skill comes monetary rewards. · Vermont Department top 3 receive award money.· National winner, top 3, receive scholarships of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 respectively· All other national participants receive $1500 to $3000· American Legion National winners automatically seated for National Forensics League tournament Competition begins in the local school and a contest is held at a local American Legion Post in January. The local post winner competes in a District Contest tentatively planned for February 2020. The district winner goes on to a state level contest to be held March 2020. There are 5 districts in Vermont. The national contest is held in Indianapolis 17-19 April 2020. (travel expenses paid for student and chaperone) The student must:Speak 8-10 minutes on some aspect of the US Constitution as it relates to the responsibilities of citizensSpeak 3-5 min. on one of 4 “assigned” amendments (one is selected by a draw from the hat moments before speaking) Those amendments are already posted on the national website. For vital information about competing in this program, go to www.legion.org/oratorical Scroll down to the pictured topics under “Rules and Resources; Competitors; Contests”. You will find contest information there. Many participants have begun in their freshman or sophomore years. That gives them the experience of researching the topic and executing public speaking.  By the junior and senior years, the student can then refine their style and presentation winning money along the way. If you have any questions please contact me, Karlene DeVine. Home phone is (802) 877-6392 and my answering machine picks up after 5 rings if no one answers first. Or, e-mail kdevine@myfairpoint.net. Thank you for your time and interest in your student’s future. Karlene DeVineVermont Department ChairOratorical Constitutional Speech Program