November 7, 2024
East Texas Baptist University’s Department of Communication hosted the Howard C. Bennett Speech Contest on November 7, 2024. The event, held annually, is a public speaking competition for undergraduate seniors who are graduating in December or May of the current academic year.
Participating in the event were Faith Brack (English), Zoey Conner (Biology), Jaslyn Ebron (Mass Communication), Ta’Lena Johnson (University Studies), Andrea Latham (English), Chastity LeBlanc (Business Studies), Ruby Jane Luce (Speech Communication), Emma Sparks (Humanities), and Anna Thomas (Criminal Justice). The nine contestants spoke on topics such as genetic engineering, the pursuit of virtue, the value of a student art camp, and the importance of viewing God as friend.
Speech Communication major Ruby Jane Luce was awarded first place for her speech on combating anxiety by allowing God to define us, rather than the world. Second place was awarded to University Studies major Ta’Lena Johnson for her speech addressing the importance of making one’s bed daily, highlighting the value of small things that can lead to even greater accomplishments.
Judging the contest were Assistant Professor of Education and Director of ETBU’s Master of Education Program Dr. Jennifer Holling, Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry Dr. Ron Lindo, Jr., and ETBU Alumna and Director of Marketing and Communication for the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Sarah Bird.
The Howard C. Bennett award has been endowed by Susan Bennett Livingston in memory of her father, Dr. Howard Clifton Bennett, who served as President of East Texas Baptist College from 1960 to 1976. Through her endowment, Mrs. Livingston encourages students to inspire audiences through public speaking, to live their lives on a higher plane, and to persuade audiences to endorse a policy or course of action.
Event organizers Dr. Kate Mead and Prof. Klaire Smith enjoyed working together to put on the event on behalf of ETBU’s Department of Communication. “This contest is an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase the education they have obtained during their years at ETBU,” Dr. Mead said. “ETBU’s core commitments shine through as these speakers serve their community through leadership that embraces faith and engages minds. That’s the value of quality public speaking: leadership that positively impacts the world.”