ORATORICAL CONTEST
Each year thousands of high school students gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution and share that knowledge with a vast audience through the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest. Hundreds of students win scholarship awards at the Post level for speeches that explore the substance and meaning of the Constitution. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. The contest consists of a Prepared Oration and an Assigned Topic with specific time constraints.
State and local contests run annually in February and March, culminating at the national level in April. Shelton High School students vie for college scholarship awards. The Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16 selects a winning student contestant from Shelton High School to compete for the 3rd District title. Seven district winners then compete for the State crown. The Connecticut champion then competes at the regional and possibly national competitions. The three national finalists compete for scholarships ranging from $14,000 to a top prize of $18,000.
