The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of High School students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights, and privileges of American citizenship. The scholarships awarded by The American Legion, Department of New York are good for seven years starting from the first payment requested and will be paid directly to the recipient's high school, college, or university. Eligible participants must be bonafide students herein described as any student under the age of twenty years on the date of the National Finals Contest and who is presently enrolled in high school or junior high school (public, military, private, or parochial, or who are homeschooled) in which the curriculum is considered to be of high school grade level commencing with grade nine and terminating with grade twelve. Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of the 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 either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the state where they enter competition. The Contestant Application must be be submitted to the County Chairman. Please visit the award's website or contact the American Legion Department of New York for more information.