The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
2010 Oratorical
The Department of California 2010 Oratorical Contest was held in Modesto on the 28th of February. A small crowd was on hand to witness the 73rd annual competition, which was once again held at the City Council Chambers. Department Oratorical Chairman Tony Dias welcomed the guests and orchestrated another outstanding performance for the Department. Tammy and I were there to represent our 4th Area Vice Commander Hugh Crooks; as well as to support the 4th Area representative, Eric Brewster, a senior from Long Beach Poly. Eric had won the Post 496 competition, as well as the 19th District and 4th Area, on his way to the Department finals. He did it with class, and simply put, he was outstanding. He finished second. This is the second year in a row that our representative has taken the “silver” at the statewide competition. The contest was close – but we thought for sure that Eric was in the running for the right to represent California at the
National Competition in Indianapolis in April. We were right – as he came very close to taking home the grand prize. However, as we told him afterwards, second place is nothing to sneeze at. He represented the 4th Area in an outstanding manner and we are extremely proud of him. As I said last year, “Youth is our future.” This year’s competition has again given us pride and confidence that our country’s foundation is in good hands. All six competitors displayed pride and respect for their country and great knowledge of our Constitution – in addition to being outstanding speakers. Thanks for helping us again make year's contest extremely successful. For God and Country, Bill “Mildew” Miller, 4th Area Oratorical Chairman
Archive - 2009 Oratorical Info
For the first time, the national finals of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program competition will be broadcast live on the Internet, Sunday morning, April 19, beginning at 10 a.m.
The three high school orators – who successfully emerge from quarter-final and semi-final competition with 50 other champions from each state and several overseas departments -- will vie for top honors before judges in Indianapolis to determine which of them receives the $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 scholarships.
You can access the live video coverage via The American Legion National Headquarters web page and clicking on the oratorical icon at www.legion.org:
The Department of California 2009 "72nd" Oratorical Competition was held in Modesto on the 22nd of February. Approximately 100 guests packed the audience at the City Council Chambers, including Department Commander Al Lennox. Department Oratorical Chairman Tony Dias welcomed the guests and orchestrated a flawless performance where six contestants finished one of the closest competitions in recent memory. Tammy and I were there to represent Joe Gonzales and the 4th Area. Our contestant, Anurag Pandey, a senior at Cerritos High School representing Norwalk Post 359 and the 19th District, was outstanding. He finished second. As most of the judges said after the contest, any of the contestants would have been an excellent choice to move on to the National Competition in Indianapolis in April. We couldn't agree more. We are extremely proud of Anurag and were glad to represent District 19 and the 4th Area at this outstanding event. Youth is our future, and we were given the utmost confidence after watching these outstanding speakers that we are in great hands. Thanks to all that help make this year's contest a rounding success.
For God and Country, Dew
Click below to go to the CA Oratorical Website:
