Thanks to Lillian from the South Carolina HSN blog for getting the word out about this contest.

2008-2009 is the 72nd year of the American Legion National High School
Oratorical Competition. This competition is designed for all contestants to
discover a deeper understanding of the US Constitution.

The competition is a prepared oration on these 4 topics from the US
Constitution:

Amendment 1
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;
or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances.

Amendment 3
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 4
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,
and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no
Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Art 3, Sec 3
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War
against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person
shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt
Act, or on Confession in open Court. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to
declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work
Corruption of Blood, or forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

The 6-8 minute oration is delivered without written notes before the
Legion's selected judges. The first level begins in December 2008 and then moves into
local and regional competitions. The national finals are in Indianapolis in the early
spring of 2009. State winners earn $1,000 scholarships. National winners receive $18,000.

To learn more go to
http://legion.org/programs/youthprograms/oratorical