American Legion, Department of Colorado Annual Oratorical Contest Is Seeking Contestants

DENVER - Oct. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Attention Colorado High School Students -The American Legion, Department of Colorado is seeking contestants to participate in their Constitutional Speech Contest to be held on January 4, 2013, at DeVry University, Westminster, Colorado.  Entry into this contest is open to Colorado students in grades 9-12 who are citizens of, or lawful permanent residents, of the United States and enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or home school) at the time of the contest.

There is no cost to enter or participate in the contest.  Application must be submittal by candidates on or before December 1, 2013.  All contestants must be certified by their sponsoring American Legion post to be accepted for completion at the state level.

High School students wishing to apply can go to www.colegionoratorical.org click on how to enter, and then click on application, fill out the form and follow the instructions for submission at the bottom of the page.

The oration must be on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. Which part of the Constitution you orations will be about is of your choosing. The same subject and oration used in the state contest must be used in the national contest. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic as selected by the contest committee, is also a part of the contest.

Scholarship funds are available to the winners. Department of Colorado scholarships range from $500 to $1250.  State 1^st Place winner then advances to the national level contest to be held April 4 - 6, 2014, in Indianapolis, IN and will be competing for scholarships ranging from $14,000 to $18,000.

The purpose of The American Legion's National High School Oratorical Contest is to 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.