ORATORICAL
The Oratorical Program is a function of the American Legions’ “Americanism Pillar”. The Oratorical Program is a constitutional speech contest for high school students and it offers scholarships upwards of $25,000. The contest has a prepared oration and an assigned topic which is assigned the day of the contest. The prepared oration must be on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. The same subject and oration used in the department contest must be used in the national contest. The purpose of the assigned topic discourse is to test the speaker’s knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the Constitution.
A Champion is Crowned!
Anna Schutte – District 3 – Department Contest Winner
The American Legion Department of Ohio held our annual Department Oratorical Contest on Sunday March 29th at Department Headquarters.
The 2026 Contestants were….
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- District 1- Wade Stubleski
- District 2- Briggs Hileman
- District 3- Nissi Xavier
- District 3- Anna Schutte
- District 4- Patience Persing
- District 7- Elise DePugh
- District 9- Gabriella Hoang
- District 9- Lily Hoang
- District 12- Elizabeth Steward
All the contestants did amazing! After the semi finals rounds, Anna and Gabriella were selected to go to the finals. We are proud to announce Anna Schutte as the 2026 American Legion Department of Ohio Oratorical Champion! We are so proud of all the contestants, and how they cheered for one another and encouraged each other.
Good Luck at National, Anna! We know you will make Ohio proud!
We would like to congratulate all the participants of the 2026 Department Oratorical Contest, You all were AMAZING!
A very special THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and individuals who came out to support the contestants. This contest or program would not be the same without you! You are all absolutely amazing. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Since 1938, The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has encouraged the nation’s high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and to hone their public speaking skills.
2026 State Oratorical Contestants
Department Oratorical Contest Date - March 29 2026
Oratorical Contest Reference Materials
The updated Rules brochure contains the assigned topics for 2026
- 2026 Oratorical Contest Assigned Topics
- Oratorical Brochure
- Oratorical Program Flyer
- Oratorical Chairmans Guide
- 2026 Oratorical Official Rules
- Department Oratorical Program Booklet
- Department Oratorical SOP
- The Prepared Oration Guide
- Department Headquarters Map Layout
Contest Dates
District 1
TBA
District 2
TBA
District 3
TBA
District 4
TBA
District 5
TBA
District 6
TBA
District 7
TBA
District 8
TBA
District 9
TBA
District 10
TBA
District 11
TBA
District 12
TBA
District 13
TBA
District 14
TBA
National Oratorical Contest Date - May 15-17 2026
Interested in signing up for the Oratorical Contest? Click the button to sign up
Click Here to view US Declaration of Independence & Constitution
Charities, INC. Points of Contact
John C Looker
Oratorical Committee Co-Chairman
- 513-290-4511
- jclooker1@gmail.com
Gary A Minadeo
Oratorical Committee Co-Chairman
- 440-840-6164
- garyaminadeo@gmail.com
Christie White
Oratorical Committee Staff Liaison
- 740-513-1722
- programs@ohiolegion.com
Oratorical Committee Members
DISTRICT 1
Bruce T Gardner
DISTRICT 2
Thomas Tierney
DISTRICT 3
Melissa Fowle
DISTRICT 4
John Looker (Co-Chairman)
DISTRICT 5
John Betterson
DISTRICT 6
Roy Terry
DISTRICT 7
Nathan P Steinbrook
DISTRICT 8
Jared Hickle
DISTRICT 9
Gary Minadeo (Co-Chairman)
DISTRICT 10
Ed Long Jr.
DISTRICT 11
Richard Smathers
DISTRICT 12
Brad Beatty
DISTRICT 13
Vacant
DISTRICT 14
Jacob Marx