College scholarships to be awarded by The American Legion

You are invited to an information meeting about The American Legion Oratorical Contest for 2023, to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.12. For those who cannot attend the Oct. 12 meeting, a second information meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday Oct.19, at Camp Jack, located at 411 S. Pine St., Harrison. The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. 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 some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each Department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. An addition $7.500 is available to those who advance past the first round at the National Competition and compete in round 2. The American Legion’s National and Department (state) Organizations awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
High school students under the age of 20 are eligible (9th through 12th grades). Competition begins at the local post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
This is a wonderful occasion for young men and women of high school age to engage in a great learning experience and the opportunity to earn some remarkable scholarship money. To learn more, please visit https://legion.org/oratorical.
While an RSVP is not required to attend, it would, never-the-less, be appreciated. To RSVP or for more information contact Lonnie E. Anderson at 901-508-2467 or email harrisonpost44@yahoo.com .