Special to Atmore News
The 3rd Divisions American Legion Oratorical Contest will be held Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m., at American Legion Post 90, corner of Man and Church. The public is invited to attend.
There are two contestants competing in this year’s contest representing the 35th District and Charles R. Vickery Legion Post #12 in Dothan, and the 32nd District and W. Clyde Northington Post #122 in Prattville.
Post 90 judges for this year are Kevin McKinley, Charles Jackson, Cindy Jackson, and Atmore Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Lassiter.
The oratorical is “A constitutional speech contest.”
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. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
For more details about the contest, please follow this link: https://www.legion.org/oratorical/about.