News Update:

The Department of Florida congratulates Ms. Caroline Schenchinger

on her successes and looks forward to seeing what this bright young women will accomplish in the future.

"This burning desire to be a part of the American dream is what has prompted us to open our 'Constitutional door' striped with banners of red, white, & blue, and become part of the American Legacy"

- C. Schenchinger

Ms. Caroline Schechinger is pictured here with The American Legion National Commander, Clarence Hill to her right and the Americanism Chairman, Joseph Caouette to her left.

The American Legion National Oratorical Contest exists to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. The 70-year-old program presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, and the ability to speak intelligently on their knowledge and understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.

Featured at this year’s event were competitors that began at the post level and advanced to our state competition. Pictured above is this years winning orator Caroline Schechinger with, from left to right, the Department Vice Commander Albert Porter, Department Commander Phil Hearlson, and Caroline’s father Marek Schechinger. Caroline’s oration “Our Constitutional Door” captured the audience and the judges from the moment she began her speech. Listening to her words you were struck by her confidence and ease in having what can be described as a conversation with her audience.  This contestant was so immersed in the subject matter, that you had no choice but to join her in an impassioned narrative of our constitutional value and history.