Southern Indiana District Oratorical Contest Set for April 18
The Southern Indiana District will host its annual Oratorical Contest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Governor St., Evansville, IN.
The Southern Indiana District will host its annual Oratorical Contest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Governor St., Evansville, IN. Rev. Keith Patterson will serve as Host Pastor.
Registration for contestants will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., with the program starting at 10:00 a.m.
Event Schedule:
- 9:00 a.m. – Registration
- 10:00 a.m. – Oratorical Contest Begins
- 11:30 a.m. – Dismissal
The Oratorical Contest provides young people with an opportunity to develop and showcase their public speaking skills through original speeches centered on the annual theme. Contestants are evaluated on intellectual thought, delivery, and positive expression.
The competition is open to students in grades K–12, and all participants will receive certificates and prizes.
A highlight of the event includes a $500 scholarship award presented to the high school senior with the highest score. That student will go on to represent the district at the State Oratorical Contest, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) in Indianapolis.
Advancing beyond the state level opens the door to the National Baptist Oratorical Contest, which will take place June 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, during the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Annual Session. National winners receive scholarships of up to $3,000.
For more information, participants are encouraged to contact their local church leadership or call (812) 453-4947.
Author
Related Articles
Ted McCreary Honored with Legacy Award at SIMA Gala
When Ted McCreary saw young people outside late at night, he didn’t simply complain—he asked, “What can we do?” That question helped launch the Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy. Seven years later, McCreary was honored with SIMA’s Legacy Award for his commitment to mentorship and Evansville youth.
Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow
From reading aloud to managing money, local middle schoolers are building the confidence, responsibility, and practical skills they need to meet life’s challenges—and shape brighter futures.
The Fit Generation
From learning to swim and building confidence to creating lifelong healthy habits, Memorial Fit Camp is helping shape a stronger, healthier generation—one day at a time.