Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Contest

Each year the Doylestown American Legion Post 210 in partnership with the Department of Pennsylvania American Legion sponsors an Annual Essay Contest for grades 9 thru 12. Applicants who have previously been awarded the Essay Scholarship Award are not eligible to participate. Children of a Post 210 member are not eligible to receive the Post 210 Essay Scholarship Award; however, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. are eligible.

This year’s topic for the Pennsylvania American Legion 92nd Annual Contest essay topic is “Digital Privacy in the 21st Century: Do 4th Amendment Protections extend to Modern Technologies”.

The prizes for the winning essays will be awarded as follows:

• First Place Winner – $3,500 scholarship, a plaque, and a trip to the Pennsylvania American Legion Convention in July 2027 to read the winning essay to the assembled delegates.
• Second Place Winner – $3,000 scholarship and a plaque.
• Third Place Winner – $2,500 scholarship and a plaque.

Essays should be submitted to the Doylestown American Legion Post 210 Essay Chairman Ed O’Dwyer at odwyerpa@comcast.net not later than midnight January 13th, 2027.

Note: Students MAY NOT use an AI for any assistance with the essay.

Additional Information can be found at Dept. Essay Brochure – 9 – 12 grades 2027 or email Ed O’Dwyer at odwyerpa@comcast.net.

Oratorical Contest

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

Applications must be submitted to odwyerpa@comcast.net No Later Than November 29th, 2026.

Applicants will be notified of the date, time and location of the competition, which is held at the Doylestown American Legion Post 210 located at 315 North Street Doylestown, PA.

For additional information, contact Ed O’Dwyer (odwyerpa@comcast.net).