“Be ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” I Peter 3:15
Bob Jones Academy students in 9th through 12th have the opportunity to participate in speech and debate through an interscholastic team, competing in debate, public speaking, and interpretation events. The competitive speech experience teaches students to think carefully, respond intelligently to opposing viewpoints and to communicate what they believe.
Members of the Academy team may join a national honor society, the National Forensic League (NFL), enabling them to gain national recognition in their speech accomplishments.
The team competes in about 15 tournaments during the year including the South Carolina State tournament and the NFL District and National tournaments.
Bob Jones Academy students consistently excel in these competitions. Highlights include:
- 1A State Champions (1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- 2A State Champions (1989, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
- National Forensic League Leading Chapter (1989, 1994, 2001, 2008)
- Over 60 NFL national qualifiers in all events
- 2003 National Expository Champion – Joseph Poore
- 2004 National Storytelling Champion – Ben Adams
- Eight NFL National Finalists in various speech events
High school students may also particpate on the Mock Trial Team. The team competes successfully on the regional and state levels. In 2004 the team won the national championship.