Cape Coral American Legion Post 90 is inviting all Cape Coral High School students to compete in the 83nd Annual American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program.

The contest for Cape Coral students has been arranged with the full cooperation of local school officials, guidance counselors and faculty at the five high schools who will assist with the contest arrangements. The contest is open to any student in grades 9 through 12, including home-schooled students

The program is a multi-level contest where students first compete at the post level, then progress to the district, area and the state level. The winner of the state contest advances to the national contest held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in April 2022.

To compete, the student must prepare and deliver an original 8 to 10-minute speech about some aspect of our Constitution, emphasizing a citizen’s duty to their country. Additionally, the student will give a 3 to 5-minute speech to test the speaker’s knowledge of one of four Constitutional subjects.

At the local post level, the commander will award the first-place winner a $300 scholarship. At the Legion district, area and state levels, scholarships will be between $500 and $2,500. At the national finals in Indianapolis, scholarships of $25,000, $22,500 and $20,000 will be awarded to the first through third places.

The American Legion will pay the expenses of state winners at the national contest.

High school students in Cape Coral who are interested in entering the competition will find complete rules and contest information at www.floridalegion.org.

For additional information, contact Ted Clark, Post 90 contest chairman, at 845 527-7948 or alpost90@yahoo.com.