2022 Oklahoma Oratorical Contest

The American Legion Department of Oklahoma 2022 Oratorical Contest was held this past Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Forensic Science Institute - UCO in Edmond, Oklahoma. Thanks to our Judges and those attending this great event.

Congratulations to our Department Winner, Ian Holdman, sponsored by Post 105 Bartlesville, (District 1A).

Oklahoma Department winner Ian Holdman went on to compete at National in April 2022, Ian made it to the second round only losing to the contest winner from the Department of Alabama.

Photo of Ian with Department Commander Charlie O'Leary

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Photo (above) of Oratorical Winner Ian Holdman of Bartlesville (District 1A), 1st Runner Up Skylar Henry of Valiant (District 3A), and Michael Clark of Comanche (District 6B) and Marshall Henderson of Owasso (District 1 B) with Department Oratorical Chairman Rob Willis and Department Commander Charlie O'Leary.

Honorable Mention to Marshall Henderson of Owasso with

Department Commander Charlie O'Leary.

Great Job to all of our participants. Congratulations.

Oratorical Contest Assigned Topics 2022

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment XIV, Section 3

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil, or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability.

Amendment XXV, Section 4

Whenever the Vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no liability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice president and a majority of either principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the president pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the president shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

“A constitutional speech contest”

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,.000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,.000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.