Deerwood Legion sponsors Oratorical Contest

The Deerwood American Legion Post #557 will sponsor the 2020 High School Oratorical Contest. It is one of the best programs offered by the American Legion and affords opportunities for students in grades nine through 12 to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution, to develop the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, to prepare for the acceptance of duties and responsiblities of American citizenship and to win both cash and scholarship money.
The constest is open to all students in grades nine through 12, including home schooled students.
The contest exists on four levels:
—Jan 9: Local contest in Deerwood
—Jan 25: Sixth District contest in Brainerd
—Feb. 29: State contest in the metro area
—April 17-19: Mational contest in Indianapolis, IN
Transportation and lodging will be furnished by the Legion.
Cash and scholarship prizes range from $250 (local) to $18,000 (national).
Participants will give two speeches:
—Speech One (eight to 10 minutes in length) must deal with some constitutional issue. It must be memorized.
—Speech Two (three to five minutes in length) deals with a constitutional amendment that is known in advance. The extemporaneous speech allows the participant to show knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research and the student’s ability to discuss the topic as it relates to the basic principles of government.
For a more detailed look at the contest, go on-line to the National American Legion Web site at www.legion.org/ oratorical.
If a student plans to enter the contest,  the counselor at C-I High School needs to be informed by Dec. 6.
At that time, a group meeting of participants will be set up by the Deerwood American Legion Post #557 to further answer questions and to plan work on the speeches.