The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest will be held from May 16 to 18, 2025, at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. This annual event brings high school students nationwide to deliver speeches on the U.S. Constitution, competing for scholarships and national recognition.

Mary Crosby will represent the Department of Washington. She earned her spot by winning the state-level contest held on March 28–29 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. Mary was sponsored by American Legion Post 91 in Burlington, Washington. Her victory secured her place among the nation’s top young orators at the upcoming national finals.

The contest weekend will begin with a mandatory orientation session for all contestants on Friday evening. Quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are scheduled for Saturday, May 17, followed by the championship round on Sunday, May 18. A banquet honoring all contestants will occur Sunday afternoon after the final contest.

The American Legion will award over $203,000 in scholarships during the national contest. Each department-level winner in the first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance to the second round – but not to the finals – receive an additional $2,000. The top three national finalists will earn scholarships of $25,000, $22,500, and $20,000, respectively.

Visit the American Legion’s official website (legion.org) for updates and to watch the national finals contest on Sunday morning. This event showcases the talents of young individuals like Mary Crosby and their dedication to understanding and articulating the principles of the U.S. Constitution.