American Legion Department of Hawaii High School Oratorical Contest

Hawaii high schoolers write and deliver an original 8-to-10-minute speech on the U.S. Constitution at the Department of Hawaii's annual Oratorical Scholarship Program in Honolulu. Judges hear each contestant anonymously, without knowing their name or school until after the contest. The top three finishers take home cash awards, and Hawaii's certified winner advances to the National Oratorical Contest with the chance at scholarships worth thousands more. There's no entry fee, and you don't need to be connected to the American Legion to compete.

Eligibility

DemographicsOpen to any Hawaii high school student; American Legion membership is not required.

Applying

State contest pays 1st place $1,000, 2nd place $500, and 3rd place $300; Hawaii's certified winner also receives at least $2,000 more in national-round scholarships.