Oratorical Scholarship Contest
Department of Maryland Contest — March 22, 2026
Location: Towson Post 22, Towson, MD
For high school students who want to compete in the Maryland American Legion Oratorical Contest. Participation requires oration on some phase of the Constitution of the United States.
Path to This Contest Contact Us for InfoAbout the Contest
Each contestant delivers an original prepared oration on some aspect of the Constitution emphasizing duties and obligations of citizenship. Possible subjects include:
- An American Citizen's Rights and Responsibilities
- Our Constitution — Worth Having, Worth Defending
- The Constitution in Our Everyday Life
- The Bill of Rights — Reciprocal Rights and Duties
2026 National Scholarship Awards
- 1st Place: $25,000
- 2nd Place: $22,500
- 3rd Place: $20,000
Your Path to the National Contest
If you're interested in competing in the American Legion Oratorical Contest, here's how the competition progresses from your local Post through to the national stage. Start planning your oration during the fall — the earlier you begin writing and memorizing, the better prepared you'll be.
Post Contests
When: February or Early March 2026
The American Legion Post is where your journey begins. This is your first opportunity to deliver your oration and compete at the local level.
Key Dates:
- Sign up by December 1, 2025 with a sponsoring Post (contact the Post if this date has passed)
- Begin writing, memorizing, and practicing by Thanksgiving or school break
District Contests
When: March 2026
Winners from Post contests advance to compete at the district level. Maryland is divided into eight districts, each with 4-6 counties. Expect 2-4 competitors at this stage.
What to Know:
- More competitive than Post contests
- Winners advance to State Finals
State Finals
When: March 22, 2026
Where: Towson Post 22, Towson, Maryland
The culmination of Maryland's competition. Up to eight competitors from across the state will compete for the title of Maryland's representative to nationals.
Prize & Opportunity:
- Winner advances to National Contest in May
- Top finalists invited to speak at Maryland's State Convention in Ocean City (July 16, 2026)
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Begin writing and memorizing your oration by Thanksgiving at the latest
- Know the Constitution: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and prepare thoroughly
- Practice Delivery: Rehearse your speech multiple times before your Post contest
- Time Your Oration: Ensure your speech fits within the required time limits
- Find Your Post: Not in a Post yet? Use the locator to find a sponsoring Post in your area
- Ask Questions: Reach out to your local Post for guidance and support
