American Legion Department of Florida High School Oratorical Contest

The American Legion's Department of Florida runs a High School State Oratorical Contest open to any student in grades 9-12 enrolled in a state-accredited Florida high school, with no GPA cutoff or required family connection to the Legion -- only the student's parents must be Florida residents. Contestants deliver prepared and extemporaneous speeches on the U.S. Constitution, advancing from local posts through district rounds to the state final. State-level cash prizes run from $500 up to $2,500 for first place, with six placements paid out each year, and state winners can advance to the American Legion's national oratorical contest for additional prize money. There's no separate application -- students enter through their local American Legion post or Department Headquarters -- and local rounds are typically due by December 1 each year.

Eligibility

DemographicsOpen to any student in grades 9-12 at an accredited Florida high school; only the student's parents must be Florida residents (no required Legion family connection).

Applying

1st place $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000, 4th-6th $500 each; six placements paid per year.