Scholarships
Americanism Essay Contest
Every year the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Maryland, Inc. sponsors the Americanism Essay Contest in our area. Prizes are awarded on Local, District, State, and National levels. The contest runs from November 1 to January 31 of the following year. Locally the contest is sponsored by Clopper-Michael American Legion Auxiliary Unit #10 in Boonsboro, Maryland. Students in grades 3-8 are eligible.
- Group I – Grades 3 & 4 (150-200 words)
- Group II – Grades 5 & 6 (250-300 words)
- Group III – Grades 7 & 8 (350-400 words)
- Group IV – Students with special needs (word count to corresponds to grade level)
Students with special needs are defined as: those in special education classes, a student recommended for special education for classes, but has not been admitted due to a waiting list or various other factors, a child identified as having a disability, but not in a special education class due to lack of facilities, identification contingent upon discretion of school officials.
American Legion Oratorical Contest
“A constitutional speech contest”
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
The American Legion’s National Organization awards scholarships which can be used at any college or university in the United States. Young orators advancing to the National contest earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students.
High school students under the age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds.
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Constitutional speeches are eight to ten minutes long in addition to a three to five minute speech on an assigned topic.
For more information:
www.mdlegion.org (programs) or contact your local American Legion post.
New Veterans Benefit – discounted bus passes in Washington County
The Washington County Veterans Advisory Committee, working with the Washington County Transportation Department, has been successful in getting Veterans added to the category of individuals who are able to get discounted bus passes. Veterans must complete the WCT Reduced Fare Application found here to apply for the discount.