APRIL 15, 2011
Arizona champion ‘Indy’ bound for the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - “A Constitutional Speech Contest”
Who: Rachel Moses, a home schooled sophomore, and the other 53 champions representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and American Legion Departments of Puerto Rico and France.
What: Will vie for scholarships of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 in the final round of the 74th annual The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - “A Constitutional Speech Contest.”
When:
Quarterfinals: 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., EST, Saturday, April 16, will narrow field from 53 to 9
Semifinals: 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m., EST, Saturday, April 16 will narrow field from 9 to 3
Finals: 10 to 11:30 a.m., EST, Sunday, April 17, Auditorium. Live webcast at www.legion.org
Where: University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 W. Michigan Street, on the campus of Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, IUPUI.
Cool under pressure: Competitors will deliver a rehearsed 8 to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3 to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges.
Background: The 2.5-million member American Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization, holds the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” to encourage young Americans to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. Annually, more than 6,000 high school students begin competition at the American Legion Post-community level. The Indianapolis-based American Legion National Headquarters provides transportation to the "Final-53" as well as board and lodging in Indianapolis for each competitor and a guest.
