Press Release from American Legion Post 61

The American Legion announces that preparations for the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest are underway. Teens who are legal citizens or legal residents and are students in grades 9 through 12 from any public, private, or parochial school, as well as those who are homeschooled, are eligible. Sponsored since 1938, the contest is designed to instill a greater knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States. Other objectives include the development of leadership skills, the enhancement of the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, rights, and privileges of American citizenship.

Throughout Connecticut, contests will start in January at the post (town) level. The American Legion posts in Middlesex County (District 7) will compete at the district level on Feb. 8, 2024, and early March at the state (department) level. That winning student will progress to the national contest, held from May 17 to May 19, 2024, in another state.

The final application filing date in Middlesex County will be Monday, Nov. 27. Applications can be obtained online at www.MyLegion.org, following the prompts for the oratorical contest.

For more information, call committee member Ms. E. Richard at 203-494-7151.