American Legion Legacy Scholarships
As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America’s war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education. But it’s not enough.
The American Legion national organization has raised funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children that our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks.
The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship Fund provides college scholarship money to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. For information
https://www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy
American Legion Oratorical Contest
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.
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 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 an aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligation of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to ten minutes long. Three to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic are also part of the contest.
Click the button below for additional information on the Oratorical Contest. Contact the Post 518 Commander if you are interested in participating in this competition.