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12/08/2021 07:10 AMAfter taking a year off due to pandemic, the Harbor News-area American Legion posts will be hosting an annual oratorical contest for High School students that also provides multiple scholarship opportunities.
The contest is open to all grades 9 to 12 students. The American Legion asks for participants to give an 8– to 10-minute speech on an aspect of the Constitution of the United States and the duties each citizen has because of that aspect. The speech will be followed by a three- to five-minute question and answer period. The speeches will be performed in front of audience at each post and appropriate business dress is requested for the speakers.
The dates for the local contest vary, so interested participants are instructed to call District Commander Eileen Richard at 203-494-7151 to learn when and where the contest will take place at Post 66 in Clinton, Post 103 in Westbrook, and Post 113 in Old Saybrook.
Richard explained to the Harbor News that the contest has multiple parts. First, interested students will participate in their local post contest before Jan. 31, 2022. Next, the winners of that contest will compete against other winners from the district on Feb. 10, 2022. Next, winners will compete at the state level in March before the national contest in April. Scholarships will be awarded along the way up to a $25,000 scholarship for a first-place prize at the national contest.
Richard said that there is no minimum or maximum number of students who can apply.
“Even it’s only one kid interested, we’ll still go through the process and that means giving a speech in front of the American Legion members,” said Richard.
Formed in 1919 as an organization meant to help veterans through acts of service, The American Legion is one of the most recognizable nonprofits in the country. According to its mission statement, the goal of the organization is to “enhance the wellbeing of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” The annual oratorical contest is one way of doing that and Richard said that she is happy it’s back.
“We usually do this every year but that streak was broken last year. I’m so excited that it is back,” said Richard.
Interested parties are advised to check the American Legion website at www.legion.org/oratorical/about or the Connecticut site at CtLegion.org—look for “Programs” then scroll down to “ORATORICAL CONTEST.”