Yesterday and Today in Orations
In the Past
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History—VA has the most wins (8)
followed by OH (7) since inception
in 1949
FL (6); GA and TX (5) and MD (4)
Past 4 years 13-16 entries at the
National Level
Absolutely has been one of the
highlights of Congress each of
these years
The Committee used to fund Prize
money by passing the hat.
Today
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Provides an average of $9,000 in
prize money each year with first
place being $3,000—this is not
competitive.
We are competing for students time
and talent
Where should we be:
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1st place $10,000,
2nd place $6,000
3rd place $3,000
Why not more students:
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Haven’t found a teacher in the system
The Student may cost our State money
Assisting our Chapters/State Societies
Energy/Efficiency
Money
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Money does make a difference
Businesses have money to support
local schools
SAR is not providing a competitive
scholarship to make an impact on
college expenses for Orations,
Essay, and JROTC
Chapter and State still need to
remain in the money game
Potential support from National to
assist States with Hotel and
Transport costs for National
competition.
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Need to find a Teacher willing to
assign extra credit for participation
Teach a class---lesson plan for a 45
minute class on communication
National Catholic Forensic
League/National Forensic League
www.ncfl.org & www.nflonline.org
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Home Educators Associations-goggle
this for your State
Children of the American Revolution--Very easy to do!!!
SAR Districts can jump on the youth
activities program to help cover those
States unable to participate fully.
15 States had a competition providing the needed
practice. Confidence levels improved and we had an
outstanding National competition in Cleveland 2010
Why we have an Orations
Contest Local/State/National
• To bring alive American
Revolutionary War History
• To draw relationships between
past & present
• To place a positive emphasis on
people, events, & places
• To emphasize the values of
freedom & a free society
• They do the research and
communicate we assist with
college expenses
Finalists earn scholarship money- 3 youth in this picture
earned $6,000 between them and most
(all but seniors and the winner) can return the next year
What to provide and where to find it
• Contest rules, procedures, previous winning orations, and copies of the
current judging sheet. Our youth need to know how they will be
evaluated and understand the rules as well as our recruited teachers.
All this is found: http://www.sar.org/Youth/Oration_Contest
• Chapters are encouraged to combine their efforts and share groups of
students when finding them in same school.
• Participate in local oration opportunities for practice and confidence in
front of groups, e.g. 4th of July and Memorial Day observances
• Contact the undersigned if there are questions the various websites
referred to on the DAR/SAR youth programs brochure referenced on
this web-site.
Lawrence E. McKinley
[email protected]
703-450-6041
Great Falls, Virginia