NORTH DAKOTA AMERICAN LEGION • YOUTH PROGRAMS
High School Oratorical Program
A constitutional speech contest that helps North Dakota students build confidence, deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and compete for college scholarships.
Photo: 2025 National Oratorical Contest Finals. Courtesy of The American Legion.
Knowledge. Confidence. Citizenship.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program invites students to explore the Constitution through public speaking. Participants learn to research an argument, speak clearly, and understand the responsibilities of American citizenship.
In North Dakota, contestants advance through local and district competition, East or West Division contests, and the State Finals. The department champion represents North Dakota at the national competition.
2025 National Finals. Photo courtesy of The American Legion.
Two Speeches. One Constitutional Challenge.
01
Prepared Oration
8–10 minutes
Prepare a speech on an aspect of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing citizens’ duties and obligations to government. Deliver it without notes, props, or prompting.
02
Assigned Topic Discourse
3–5 minutes
Speak on a constitutional topic selected from the current year’s assigned topics. The topic is announced approximately five minutes before your speech, with preparation in a private room.
Review the official national rules for the complete contest procedures.
Who Can Participate?
Students in grades 9–12 who are under age 20 on the date of the national contest may participate. Public, private, parochial, military, and home school students are included.
Participants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and must live in or attend school in the department where they compete. Students may enter through only one department.
Contact Department Headquarters or your local American Legion post to confirm North Dakota entry arrangements and deadlines.
2025 National Finals at Hillsdale College. Photo courtesy of The American Legion.
Speak for a Scholarship
National finalists compete for these college scholarship awards:
$25,000
First Place
$22,500
Second Place
$20,000
Third Place
A certified department winner who participates in the first national round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000.
For current North Dakota scholarship and award information, contact Department Headquarters.
How to Participate
1. Connect locally. Contact your American Legion post or Department Headquarters for entry information.
2. Prepare both speeches. Study the Constitution, develop your prepared oration, and review all assigned topics.
3. Attend your contest. Use the dates and locations below to find your district, division, and state competition.
2027 Assigned Topics
The Preamble
Article VI, Paragraph 2
Amendment XIV, Section 3
Amendment XXII, Section 1
Prepare With Official Resources
Read the current national rules and assigned-topic text before preparing your speeches. The official American Legion program pages provide contest guidance and participant resources.
Official Rules & Eligibility2027 National Finals
May 14–16, 2027
Hillsdale College • Hillsdale, Michigan
North Dakota Oratorical Contest Dates
District, division, and State Finals events tagged Oratorical appear below. Districts 1 and 4 will be added once their dates and locations are confirmed.
District 10 Oratorical Contest — 2026
- 2026-11-21 10:00:00
- Fairmount High School, 101 Date Ave, Fairmount, ND
- 10:00 AM — Oratorical Contest
District 9 Oratorical Contest — 2026
- 2026-11-21 11:00:00
- Elementary School, 215 West Street, Ray, ND
- 11:00 AM — Oratorical Contest
District 2 Oratorical Contest — 2026
- 2026-12-02 13:00:00
- Legion Hall, 444 Sheyenne St, Park River, ND
- 1:00 PM — Oratorical Contest
District 3 Oratorical Contest — 2026
- 2026-12-05 09:00:00
- Leeds Public School, 530 1st St SE, Leeds, ND
- 9:00 AM — Oratorical Contest