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Michigan American Legion High School Oratorical Contest

Direct application

Up to $2,000
1 winner

Eligibility

Location
Michigan
Education level
High school
Status
United States

About this scholarship

U.S. citizen or lawful-resident high school students may compete in the American Legion Department of Michigan High School Oratorical Contest on assigned constitutional topics. Department-level awards range up to $2,000 for the state winner, with zone runner-ups receiving $500 and other runner-ups $200. National finals awards reach up to $25,000.

Apply by December 5 to participate through the Department of Michigan. The contest helps students hone public speaking skills while studying the U.S. Constitution. The American Legion Department of Michigan has offered scholarship and prize programs for high school students since its 1919 charter.

Essay questions

Sign up to draft your application

What else to submit

  • Spoken oratorical (speech) contest, not a written essay
  • Prepared oration must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government
  • Assigned-topic discourse (extemporaneous spoken portion) on a constitutional topic drawn from designated amendments/articles
  • 2026 assigned topics: Amendment IV; Article III, Section 3; Article IV, Section 4; Article VI, Clause 3
  • Open to high school students who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
  • Michigan state contest: March 28, 2026, Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing
  • Compete in a spoken oratorical contest on assigned U.S. constitutional topics.
  • Prepared oration must address an aspect of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing citizens' duties and obligations to government.
  • Complete the assigned-topic extemporaneous spoken portion.