Fifth Third Bank donates $10k to Oratorical Contest

For the past five years, Fifth Third Bank has supported several programs of The American Legion, such as the National Emergency Fund and Operation Comfort Warriors, through donations granted during the organization's National Convention. Fifth Third recently made a $10,000 donation in support of the Legion's upcoming 80th National Oratorical Contest.

“We believe that being a responsible corporate citizen is important to giving back to the communities in which we live and do business," said Steven Alonso, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank in Greater Indiana Gateway Region. "With contributions both financially and through volunteerism, we at Fifth Third Bank have made a commitment to projects in our communities that support veterans’ initiatives. Sponsoring (the Oratorical Contest) is a part of that commitment.”

The National Oratorical Contest will get underway April 22 with 53 high school orators speaking on the U.S. Constitution in the quarterfinal round, followed by the top nine contestants advancing to the semifinals. During both sessions the contestants will present a rehearsed eight- to 10-minute oration on an aspect of the Constitution in front of judges, as well as a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic discourse. The top three semifinal contestants will compete in the national finals on April 23 at 10 a.m. (EDT).

Watch the finals streamed live on the Legion's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanlegionhq.