WATERVILLE – The Maine American Legion is inviting students to participate in the Constitutional Speech Contest. Students in grades nine to 12 are invited to participate.

Many of the 172 American Legion posts throughout the state will host local contests. The winner will advance to the district contest and that winner will advance to the state contest on Feb. 14 at Thomas College, Waterville.

The state winner will advance to the national contest in Indianapolis, Ind. Travel expenses will paid by the contestant’s American Legion and a chaperone over age 21.

There are two portions to the contest:prepared oration and assigned topic. Each contestant participating in the state contest will receive $150, with the two semi-final winners competing for $500 for second place and $1,000 for first place and the opportunity to advance to the national competition.

State finalists who compete in the national contest will receive $1,500 for participating in the first round. Contestants advancing to the second round will receive an additional $1,500. The three contestants in the final round will have the opportunity to win $18,000 for first place, $16,000 for second and $14,000 for third.

For more information, contact a local American Legion post or the American Legion Department Headquarters, Waterville, 873-3229 or [email protected].