Yesterday and Today in Orations In the Past 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 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 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: –1 st place $10,000, – 2 nd place $6,000 – 3 rd place $3,000 Why not more students: –Haven’t found a teacher in the system –The Student may cost our State money

Assisting our Chapters/State Societies Money 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. Energy/Efficiency 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 & 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: 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. 4 th 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 Great Falls, Virginia