<p>My 10th grader joined Speech and Debate this year. Unfortuantely, the faculty coach is on an extended absence so I can't ask him this question. Today the college counselor sent my son a pamphlet on the National High School Oratorical Contest which is organized by the American Legion. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this. There is scholarship money involved for those who do well. We are located in California. Thanks.</p>
<p>I did this in HS way back when. I thought it was a lot of fun. There are increasingly selective rounds as you go up the ranks. IIRC, the judges at each stage were American Legion members. The theme is usually patriotic. I think I did mine on flag-burning. There are nonmonetary prizes along the way -- dinners, plaques, and such (think I might even have mine around here somewhere ::rummages:: :) ) all the way through state and nationals. I didn't win nationals :( but met a lot of great and talented kids along the way.</p>
<p>Once identified as a "winner," you are usually asked to do some other public-speaking things as well (at least I was). For the local Memorial Day celebration, I remember being asked to memorize and present the Gettysburg Address (which I can still recite to this day). I was also asked to judge some public speaking contests.</p>
<p>Don't know how much or if it helped with college admissions, but I got into everywhere I applied and went with the one who gave me the most money (which was a tidy sum).</p>
<p>Thank you. I noticed they pay for expenses when the kids have to travel, etc. Our high school participates in the Boys State which is also sponsored by the American Legion. This year the kids have to speak on certain aspects of the Constitution. So I gather this is different than what he does in Speech and Debate but complelements it. Sounds good -- thanks.</p>