Bob Jones Academy’s Speech and Debate team hosted its 29th annual invitational tournament. Public and private schools from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee were in attendance. Over 450 contestants competed in various debate, public speaking and interpretation events in six buildings spread all over the Bob Jones University campus. Over 125 coaches and judges served at the tournament—about 60 were BJU students and faculty. At the end of the four-round event, over 100 trophies were presented to the top six in each of the twenty-two events.
Academy students did not compete but rather hosted the big event. Students sold concessions, served lunch, helped in the judges lounges, greeted and directed students and judges, and worked in the tabulation room. Academy parents helped make and serve food for the judges and also served as judges. Academy faculty were heavily involved in the preparation and execution of the tournament.
At the end of the day, the speech and debate team gathered for a “leftovers feast” and a testimony time. Several students told of competitors and judges that they were able to help out and talk to during the day. The overwhelming consensus was that the teams enjoyed their day on the BJU campus—and that they felt both welcome and well fed!
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