Students strengthen faith, confidence at Mississippi Baptist Speakers’ Tournament

The 2026 Mississippi Baptist Student Speakers’ Tournament was held April 11 at Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton. Designed to develop leadership in students, the tournament instills Christian doctrine, public speaking, poise, and confidence through the verbal expression of their faith.

“My favorite part of the tournament was the opportunity to dig deeper into a topic that personally resonates in my life,” said participant Olivia King, whose speech “Be Still and Know” focused on Psalm 46:10. “I was extremely blessed to have the support of my local church, as well as the judges with the Rankin County Baptist Association and Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. I truly appreciate the encouragement I received to step out, speak to others, and accept their impactful feedback.” 

Students grow spiritually throughout the process of preparing their speeches as they engage in research, study, prayer, and practice. As a result of their participation, they will be ready to stand for Christ in their communities.

“I’ll be honest, the experience was definitely a bit intimidating at times,” said King. “Preparing and delivering a speech in front of judges and peers pushed me outside of my comfort zone. However, that challenge is also what made the experience so impactful. It taught me to rely less on my own abilities and more on trusting God, especially in moments where I felt nervous.

“Overall, the tournament has most definitely built my confidence in public speaking and opened my eyes to the possibilities of sharing the Gospel.”

The speakers’ tournament is divided into two divisions: the Mississippi Baptist College Division, which provides scholarships to either Blue Mountain Christian University, Mississippi College, or William Carey University; or the Open Division, which provides a one-time award that is good for any college or university the student chooses to attend.

Following are the 2026 winners:

BAPTIST COLLEGE DIVISION

First: Olivia King, First Baptist Church, Brandon

Second: Lily Smathers, Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Lucedale

Third: Sarah Simon, First Baptist Church, Oxford

Fourth: Reuben Paradeshi, Morrison Heights Baptist Church, Clinton

OPEN DIVISION

First: Elizabeth Simpson, Collinsville First Baptist Church, Collinsville