2019 Oratorical Contest

Young orators gather in Indianapolis for a shot at thousands of dollars in scholarship support.
Fifty-three high school students gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, to compete for a share of $48,000 in scholarships as a part of the 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Fifty-three high school students gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, to compete for a share of $48,000 in scholarships as a part of the 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Other contestants watch as Caleb Maue of Homer Glen, Ill. delivers his prepared oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Other contestants watch as Caleb Maue of Homer Glen, Ill. delivers his prepared oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Eden Carnes of Friendsville, Tenn. delivers her assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Eden Carnes of Friendsville, Tenn. delivers her assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Caleb Maue of Homer Glen, Ill. delivers his assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Caleb Maue of Homer Glen, Ill. delivers his assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Patrick Junker of Waukee, Iowa delivers his assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Patrick Junker of Waukee, Iowa delivers his assigned topic oration during The American Legion’s 82nd annual National Oratorical Contest finals are held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.