Memo to Adopt Constitutional Speech Contest

The American Legion of the state has invited our school to participate in its annual High School Oratorical Contest. Each year they host a nationwide contest in order to encourage our youth to address Constitutional issues. In the attached copies you will find information about the contest, but let me assure you this is a wonderful contest that has many scholarships to offer those who do well.

I have encouraged my Constitution students to participate--ten have agreed to do so. As a class we are preparing for both the Prepared Oration (an 8-10 minute speech concerning the Constitution and citizenship) and the Assigned Topic (students will prepare on-the-spot an answer to a previously unknown question dealing with any of five very specific portions of the US Constitution).

I would like your approval and support in inviting the parents, students, and the administration to witness the speeches. I would like to have the speeches delivered in the Fine Arts Center for acoustic and recording purposes. If you are amenable to this, I would like to be able to schedule the event for two hours either one day after school or one evening on December 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th. These dates seem best in order to avoid scheduling problems with Middle School and High School Christmas Choir and Piano Recitals. We must have the competition before December 21st in order to submit our winner's name to the state's American Legion.

Finally, I would like to put together a committee of judges. With your permission, I would like to invite at least two men from the community to serve on the panel of three judges. One, Dr. Erik, has been involved with various local and national political think tanks, most recently of the Foundation in XXXX. He is an expert in Political Philosophy and would be a wonderful choice for this contest. The other, John Plodomoter, has served this geographic district on XXXX's City Council for nine years and recently ran for mayor of XXXX. Perhaps someone from our Board of Governors could also serve on the panel.

In summation, assuming this merits your approval, we need to decide upon:

1. A decision on which date we will reserve the Fine Arts Center.

2. Approval for inviting the above individuals to serve on the panel.

Thank you for your support. I will attempt