SAR Objectives Confirmed During Annual Oration Contest
Compelling Leaders of Tomorrow Stirred the Arizona Audience
Arizona provided an excellent backdrop for the orations presented to Compatriots and
guests by 14 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each competitor represented a State
Society's participation in the SAR Rumbaugh Orations Contest. Since 1949, the youth of this
nation have been encouraged and our historical education system has been supported by
Compatriots across the country, encouraging high school students to conduct research and report
on a person, place, battle or document which contributed to our Revolutionary War period
success as a nation. One key to their convincing speeches is delivering the historical content
with what meaning this historical activity has for us today!
Include picture of all participants with President General Magerkurth
While participating in the contest as an orator may be daunting to some, participation in
the contest as a judge is hailed as one of the "hardest jobs at Congress." The orators moved the
audience to standing ovations during each preliminary session as well as the finals on Sunday
night. These contestants can be proud of their performances and their excellent communication
skills – they are clearly future American leaders!
Enter the picture three winners—L to R. Rachel Thompson, Alabama, 3rd place; Phillip P. Cozzi, Illinois, 1st
place; and Rebecca Catherine Kneebone, Maryland, 2 nd place.
Scholarship and Knowledge
A leader learns communication through practice, and the Rumbaugh Orations Contestants
persuaded the audience on the topic of their choice. These students riveted the audience with
stories of heroes and important philosophical points of view. They challenged the audience to
link these stories and points of view with the American Revolution, a link that many say is lost
on the youth of today. These Contestants worked hard on their research and presentation,
practicing for hours before making their appearance in Phoenix. The SAR should reward that
with a commensurate scholarship.
With hundreds of youth contests competing for student’s time, the SAR Rumbaugh
Orations Contest needs to provide compelling reasons to capture a student’s attention. The most
compelling factor is a worthwhile monetary reward for active participation. These students
annually educate and inspire their communities by presenting their orations at the Chapter and
State levels and functions such as July 4th celebrations. Each listening ear hears the SAR
objectives being reinforced.
We MUST Increase Financial Support
Significant financial support is required annually to operate the current level of the
Orations contest. Up to $11,000 is dispersed annually to contestants. To remain competitive
with other service organizations and to compete for the talent, the Rumbaugh Orations Contest
need to distribute at least $30,000 annually. SAR can do this by increasing the Orations Contest
endowment to $1,000,000 (in the long term) and at least $750,000 (in the short term). The
current endowment is $238,000.
In order to enhance our endowment we need to raise the funds from all sources, individual and
business. The more monies SAR brings in from Compatriots, the more leverage SAR has during
negotiations with corporations. Remember — the Orations contest is training the future leaders
of America. Encourage Chapters, Chapter Members to make contributions in honor of a special
program speaker during your fiscal year. Make a donation from your State Society in honor of
your Orations Chairman! Pass along points of contact for companies who might be interested in
donating to a vitally important historical and educational program. If you prefer to contact the
company yourself, please pass along contact information to Larry McKinley (contact info below)
so efforts are not duplicated.
How You Can Help:
The enhanced endowment was kicked off (with great response) at the 2012 Congress
with the authorization of the new Dr. Joseph Warren Medal.
Joseph Warren, a Boston doctor, was the orator selected to commemorate the anniversary
of the Boston Massacre. Because the orator would be heckled by unforgiving British officers
and sympathizers, Warren bravely presented his speech with a steady and firm voice. Warren’s
stirring oratory skill recruited more patriots and moved others to support the Revolution.
Enter the picture of the medal obverse and reverse.
Donations of $250 or more will be recognized with the standard and miniature size medal
set. Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a campaign bar for the standard medal.
The medal is suspended from a blue, gold and white drape.
On the back of the large medal is a quote from Dr. Warren's Boston Massacre
commemorative oration:
“On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which
rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”
Send contributions to the address below.
Please make checks payable to NSSAR. (say in memo--Orations Endowment)
Larry McKinley
12158 Holly Knoll Circle
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
Dustoff@Verizon.net