Youth compete for top spot at 2016 State Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament

During the month of April, 819 youth representing, 115 Texas Baptist churches, showcased their talents in finding and reading Bible verses and reciting speeches through five regional Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournaments.

On April 30, regional winners competed for the top spot at the State Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament, held at Dallas Baptist University.

Ninety-three youth, representing 37 churches, competed at the state tournament. The following students took home first and second place:

Youth Bible Drill (7 – 9th grades)
1st Place - William Horton, First Baptist Church in Dallas
2nd Place - Bethany Leamons, Fairy Baptist Church in Hico

High School Bible Drill (10 – 12th grades)
1st Place - Anna Casey, First Baptist Church in Albany
2nd Place - Katie Davidson, First Baptist Church in Allen

Youth Speakers’ Tournament (10 – 12th grades)
1st Place- Taryn Smith, First Baptist Church in Allen
2nd Place - Callie Hill, First Baptist Church in Garland

Each first place winner will represent Texas Baptists at the National Invitational Tournament on June 17 at First Baptist Church in Colleyville, Texas.

“I am amazed every year at the caliber and character of the participants I meet at the State Bible Drill & Speakers' Tournament,” said Keith Lowry, Texas Baptists’ adult discipleship specialist and director of Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament for Texas Baptists. “The dedication, hard work, perseverance and especially the evidence of God's Word at work in their lives becomes more clear every year… It is with great joy that we embrace the privilege of working with these students and the parents and volunteers who make this ministry so viable.”