The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is excited to announce that our champion of the 2024 Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is Shreya Nallamothu from Illinois. Shreya competed with several other state winners to secure her 2024 national championship title.

The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is open to all students attending 9th through 12th grades in public, parochial or private schools; or home-school students studying at the same grade levels. The preliminary rounds of the contest begin at the local chapter level; students have the opportunity to advance to the state or national levels where scholarships and cash prizes are awarded. It is our intent that the contest will continue to expand on all levels and bring the voices of our young patriots to greater light across our entire nation.

SAR Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest Website

Applicant forms and instructions are available at: Here.

Sponsor forms are available at: Here.

Participants must write an original oration of not less than five minutes, or more than six minutes. The oration must be delivered from memory and without the use of notes or any kind of props. The subject of the oration shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document pertaining to the Revolutionary War with a mention of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. It is essential that each oration show the relationship it bears to America today. Evidence of historical research and creative presentation are also important. The oration will be judged based upon its composition, delivery, significance, historical accuracy, and relevance to our 250th anniversary.

Three cash/scholarship awards are given: the National First Place Winner receives $8,000; the 2nd Place Runner-up receives $5,000; and the 3rd Place Runner-up receives $3,000 cash prize. Each also receives an Olympic-sized medal. The three non-placing finalists are each awarded $500 cash. All other non-finalist national contestants are awarded $200 cash. An informational flyer and the contest forms can be found below. Please be aware that the local and state application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details.

Contact your local chapter to get current submission due dates!