Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

Scholarship Sponsored by National Society, Sons of the American Revolution

Description
**What the contest is:** The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is a national public-speaking competition for high-school–level students that progresses from local chapter preliminaries to state and national finals. Entrants prepare and deliver an original, memorized oration about an aspect of the Revolutionary War; top finishers receive scholarships and cash awards. The contest is run through local chapters that coordinate preliminary rounds, and successful participants may advance to state and national competitions. The program aims to elevate student research and public presentation on American Revolutionary history.

Key takeaways:
- Open national contest with local → state → national levels.
- Focus on original, memorized historical orations.
- Top performers earn scholarships and cash prizes.
- Local chapters organize preliminary rounds and advancement.

Eligibility
**Who may compete:** Any student in grades 9–12 is eligible, whether enrolled in public, parochial, private schools, or educated at home at the same grade levels. There are no additional school-type restrictions noted; eligibility is defined solely by grade level and enrollment type. Prospective entrants should confirm any local chapter-specific rules but the core eligibility is consistent across the contest.

Key takeaways:
- Open to students in grades 9 through 12.
- Includes public, parochial, private, and home-schooled students.
- Confirm any local chapter-specific eligibility details with the local SAR chapter.

Oration Requirements
**Content, length, and delivery:** Each entry must be an original oration between five and six minutes, delivered completely from memory without notes or props. The subject must relate to a Revolutionary War event, personality, or document and include a mention of the nation’s 250th anniversary while demonstrating the topic’s relevance to America today. Judges evaluate composition, delivery, significance, historical accuracy, and relevance to the anniversary; evidence of research and a creative presentation are encouraged.

Key takeaways:
- Oration must be original and 5–6 minutes long.
- Delivered from memory; no notes or props allowed.
- Topic must concern the Revolutionary War and reference the 250th anniversary.
- Judging criteria: composition, delivery, significance, accuracy, and relevance.

Award Value
**Prizes and recognition:** National awards include cash scholarships and medals for top finishers. The National First Place winner receives $8,000, Second Place $5,000, and Third Place $3,000; each of these top three also receives an Olympic-sized medal. Three non-placing national finalists receive $500 each, and all other national non-finalists receive $200.

Key takeaways:
- 1st place: $8,000 plus an Olympic-sized medal.
- 2nd place: $5,000 plus a medal.
- 3rd place: $3,000 plus a medal.
- Non-placing finalists: $500 each; other national non-finalists: $200.

Application Timeline and Process
**How to enter and deadlines:** Preliminary rounds begin at the local chapter level; winners advance to state and then national rounds. Local and state application and competition deadlines vary by chapter, so prospective entrants should contact their local SAR chapter for exact dates, application forms, and informational flyers. Allow sufficient time for research, drafting, memorization, and coordination with local contest officials when planning your participation.

Key takeaways:
- Contest starts at the local chapter level; winners may advance to state and national rounds.
- Local and state deadlines vary—contact your local SAR chapter for specifics.
- Application forms and informational materials are provided by chapters or the national organization.
- Start early to prepare and meet local timelines.

History and Purpose of the Award
**Mission and growth:** The Rumbaugh Oration Contest was established to encourage historical research, recognize excellent student oratory, and bring young voices into public discussion of the Revolutionary era. The contest emphasizes historical accuracy and contemporary relevance to promote civic awareness and scholarship among high-school students. Organizers intend to expand the contest’s reach at all levels so students nationwide can share their perspectives on America’s founding history.

Key takeaways:
- Designed to promote student research and public speaking about the Revolutionary War.
- Seeks to connect historical study to contemporary American life.
- Ongoing effort to expand participation and visibility nationwide.