2016 Oratorical Contest

The top 53 high school orators from across the country competed in The American Legion's 79th annual National Oratorical Contest: "A Constitutional Speech Contest" in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. The top three will compete Sunday during the finals for a chance to win the top scholarship prize of $18,000. Photos by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Cheyenne Mathews picks an envelope with her speaking order for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Cheyenne Mathews picks an envelope with her speaking order for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical Contest participants practice their prepared orations at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical Contest participants practice their prepared orations at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
An Oratorical participant knits during some down time on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
An Oratorical participant knits during some down time on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Nketiah Berko practices his speech for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest in the reflection of a painting at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Nketiah Berko practices his speech for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest in the reflection of a painting at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants speak to each other at the Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants practice speeches for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest at the Wyndam hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.
Oratorical participants practice speeches for The American Legion's National Oratorical Contest at the Wyndam hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth.