What the Constitution Means to Me

We managed to go to see the Heidi Schreck play, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” in the final days of its Broadway run, which began on March 31 of this year after a year or so in Off-Broadway productions. Ms. Schreck tells both a political and personal story. While she was in high school in her native small town of Wenatchee, Washington (population approximately 30,000), she raised money to finance her college education at the University of Oregon by giving competitive speeches about the United States Constitution. The play is a mix of personal and political thoughts and stories, as she talks about the effects of the document on many generations of women, including those in her own family, starting with her great-great-grandmother who was brought to America as a mail-order bride. The play puts a strong emphasis on the unfortunately abhorrent treatment of women throughout the earlier generations of her family.

At the end of the main portion of the play, pocket versions of the United States Constitution were distributed to the audience. 

This was followed by a 20-minute segment that included a live “debate” between an actress playing a local high school student and Ms. Schreck, with an audience member serving as a judge. The topic was “Should We Abolish the U.S. Constitution?” The judge deemed that the constitution should be abolished, which appears to be Ms. Schreck’s position. In my mind, it is a rather frightening thought, particularly in these divisive times.

I was curious about the contest itself, and found the following on the American Legion’s web page:

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

We had heard and read a fair amount about the play, and it was fortunate that we managed to see it before its scheduled closing at the end of this week. Barry really enjoyed it, but I found it rather challenging. The play, mostly a monologue by the author, moves very quickly, and unfortunately my brain is still not firing on all cylinders so I often found myself completely lost. Still, I am glad that I had the chance to see it, and now we each have our own pocket versions of the United States Constitution.

Love,

Rebecca