The purpose of the American Legion Department of Kansas High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. Students will be awarded scholarships that may be used to attend college or university. All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of 20 years on the date of the national contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited homeschool) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine and terminating with grade 12. Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. High school students that graduate early during the school year are eligible to compete if they are not enrolled in a college, university, trade school or other institution of higher learning at the time of the department finals contest. Contestants must be either legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the state where they enter competition. For dates, sites and deadline information concerning local, district and state level competition, please contact your local American Legion post or their department headquarters office of The American Legion. Please visit the award's website or contact the American Legion Department of Kansas for more information.