Georgia Baptist youth speak out in Youth Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament

On June 5 at Norman Park, 49 youth represented churches from across Georgia in the State Youth Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament.

Youth Bible Drill is for students in 7th-9th grades. Participants memorize a list of verses and are required to locate the passages within eight seconds as well as quote verses when called upon. To participate, youth had to get 90% of the calls correct at the regional level. The winner in the State Youth Bible Drill was Katie Mitchell from Sardis Baptist Church in Glenwood. The runner-up was Kayla Davis from Flat Creek Baptist in Fayetteville.

Youth Speakers Tournament is for 10th-12th grades. Participants select a topic from a published list and write a 4-6 minute speech, with the resulting grade judged from content and delivery. To participate, youth have to be the top scorer in their region. The winner in the State Youth Speakers Tournament was Jordan Helms from Harps Crossing Baptist in Fayetteville. Helms is the fourth sister in her family to be a State Youth Speakers Tournament winner. The name of her speech was “Called to Make a Difference.” The runner-up in the Youth Speakers Tournament was Daniel Richardson from Grove Level Baptist in Dalton with the speech “One Nation Under God.”

On June 11, Mitchell and Helms represented Georgia at the Second Annual National Youth Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament in San Antonio, Texas. Mitchell placed 2nd in the National Youth Bible Drill while Helms also placed 2nd in the National Speakers Tournament.

Next year’s tournament will be in Orlando, Fla. For more information, contact Discipleship and Family Ministries at the Georgia Baptist Convention at 1 (800) RING-GBC, ext. 272.

Maria Brannen

Left to right, are Helms and first-place finisher Emily Burkhed of Texas, Mitchell and first-place finisher Daniel Hill of Arkansas, and Georgia representatives Helms and Mitchell.