News of the Nature Coast of Florida

By Jay Conti Sr.
American Legion Department of Florida Vice Commander

The American Legion Post 155 has been running its oratorical contests in Citrus County Area high schools since 1950.

Information packets with rules and entry forms for The American Legion Oratorical Contest have been given to the Guidance Counselors of Crystal River, Lecanto and Seven Rivers Christian High Schools, which are in the American Legion Post 155 area.

All high school students (no matter what grade) - public, private, or even home- schooled children - are eligible to enter. Scholarships are awarded the winning contestants ranging from $100 to $18,000. The contest consists of an eight- to 10-minute prepared oration on some phase of the Constitution of The United States, and a three- to five-minute assigned topic discourse on a particular article or amendment.

Last year, American Legion Post 155 held its contest, and Ben Ferrone of Homosassa went on to win the Department of Florida contest and took third place in the National Contest, and won a total of $17,500 from the American Legion in scholarship money. He is now enjoying his time and a better college without having the high costs of education loans.

The purpose of The American Legion’s High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high achool 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, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

For more about scholarships that the American Legion and other organizations have to offer including grants you should go to www.NeedALift.org (College Financial Aid Handbook) as the American Legion puts out a this book to educate High School students on Educational Opportunities, Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans, Careers, and Employment.

This book, in its 59th year of publication, is also located in every high school library and city library, and the latest downloadable copy is available on the web site. The American Legion is dedicated to our youth the future leaders of our nation and we feel that they should have the newest and best recourses available to them.

Most all American Legion Posts participate in this program and additional information or entry forms are available through American Legion Post 155. Oratorical Contest coordinator Jack Marchitto can be reached at 352- 629-9843 or at American Legion Post 155 at 352-795-6526 or see your high school guidance counselor for more details.