SMITHFIELD
The American Legion Post 49 announces its 2018 American Oratorical Contest for local high school students. For those interested in this opportunity, local and state level winners progress to National competition with a top prize $18,000 college scholarship; and over $138,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Winners at the state level receive a $1,500 scholarship and additional scholarships for advancing past the first round.

Contestants will be asked to prepare for two orations, one of 8-10 minutes on a topic related to the  Constitution and another 3-5 minutes on an assigned topic.

Details can be found at the following website: https://www.legion.org/oratorical/about. Interested students should contact Greg Mueller at vaoratorical@yahoo.com or 7477-7904.

Local high school guidance counselors should also be able to provide information. The local competition will be conducted in early January, but interested students should submit their entry and begin preparation as soon as possible.