The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest, sponsored nationally since 1938, 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 ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. It is also a great resume` builder for college applications. This notice is presented to the public to alert students, parents, and teachers/counselors to inform them that preparations for this contest are underway. At the present time, locally, Clinton Post 66, Westbrook Post 103, and Deep River Post 61 are known to be holding contests. If the student’s home town does not have a Post or their local post is not conducting a contest they can apply to any other post that is hosting a contest specifically Post 66 in Clinton.

Ninth to 12th graders from any public, private, parochial, or home schooled students are eligible. Usually students start their applications and preparations during November. Contests will start in January at the local post (town) level. The Middlesex County regional contest will take place in February at Clinton Post 66 followed by the state wide competition in March 2023. The winning student will progress to the national competition in Indiana in April. Travel expenses will be provided. It should be noted that financial prizes can be won at each contest stage with the national scholarship prize reaching an additional $25,000. Each winner sent to National will receive a minimum of $2,000.

Detailed information about this program can be found at our national website, www.Legion.org/Oratorical. For more information, call oratorical committee members Phil Sengle, Post 66, 860-797-1511; Frazier Brinley, Post 103, 860-669-0336; or Eileen Richard 203-494-7151, Post 61.