The purpose of the American Legion Department of Michigan High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest is to provide high school students with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the United States. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, improving speaking skills, and acceptance of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of American citizenship. Contestants will compete for scholarship money ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 at the department (state) contest conducted on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The department winner will advance to compete for scholarship money ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 in the National contest held May 16-18, 2025 in Hillsdale, Michigan. Contestants must be in grades 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th and not older than 20 years-of-age; and be enrolled in an accredited high school (public, parochial, military, private) or an accredited homeschool program. The contestants must prepare an oration. The topic for the 2025 contest is based on the Amendment I; Amendment VII; Amendment XVIII Sections 1, 2, and 3; Amendment XXVI Sections 1 and 2 of the U.S. Constitution. A contestant must register with the American Legion, Department of Michigan by December 9, 2024. Once registered with the Department of Michigan, the contestant's information will be forwarded to their Zone Chairman and they will notify the contestant of the dates, times and locations of all contests at the District and Zone level. All District contests are to be completed by January 20, 2025 and Zone contests will be conducted before February 10, 2025. The Department contest will be conducted on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the American Legion Department of Michigan for more information.