Campus News

Juniata Student Wins 115th Bailey Oratorical with Powerful Speech on the Bystander Effect

(Posted March 5, 2025)

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Amya Martinez ’28

Amya Martinez ’28

HUNTINGDON, Pa.— Amya Martinez ’28 of Newark, NJ, shared a personal account of her family’s experience with the “bystander effect” to win the 115th Bailey Oratorical at Juniata College. Martinez’s compelling speech earned her the $1,000 grand prize and the honor of having her name inscribed on the historic Bailey Oratorical loving cup.   

“This tradition celebrates and uplifts the importance of civil discourse, critical thinking, and a commitment to being a citizen of the world–values that have been a part of this institution since its founding in 1876,” said President James A. Troha as he welcomed the crowd assembled in Alumni Hall.  

Inspired by Elizabeth Evans Baker’s inspirational quote, “Peace is everybody’s business,” the seven student finalists at the Bailey Oratorical were asked to respond to the prompt, “What does it mean to make peace ‘everybody’s business?’”  

“The bystander effect–a phenomenon studied since 1968–shows that people are just less likely to help when others are present. Yet, in these critical moments, I argue that the principle of minding our own business should take a back seat to our moral and ethical duty to assist those in need,” said Martinez. “It is every individual’s responsibility to make that choice and doing so could save a life or significantly impact someone’s wellbeing. We must embrace the wisdom of Elizabeth Baker when she says, “Peace is everybody’s business.’”  

As we strive to build nurturing and compassionate communities, that is the only way for us to achieve long-lasting social peace,” she said. “I dedicate this speech to my cousin Dante, whose journey has shown me the true meaning of strength and perseverance.”  

In addition to taking first prize in the competition, Martinez, who is studying media studies and production, also received the People’s Choice Award, a text-to-vote poll where the in-person audience members choose their favorite speech.  

“This is one of my favorite traditions. It is one of our most powerful academic moments,” said Provost Lauren Bowen. “It demonstrates quintessential Juniata values–curiosity, interdisciplinarity, and a strong sense of community.” 

Judges for the final competition were El Kruglak ’11, who has over a decade of experience in the fields of peacebuilding and development with a focus on mass atrocity prevention; Joshua Scacco ’08, an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of South Florida; and Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, pastor emerita for the University Baptist and Brethren Church.   

Lillian Case ’25 of Reading, Pa., who is studying business analytics and communication, won second place and a $700 award. Her speech addressed the importance of compassion in society. Molly Sheets ’25 of Ada, Ohio, who is studying culture and communication, took third place and a $500 award with her speech about approaching peace from the perspective of justice.  

The event also featured powerful speeches by finalists Mahx Baptiste ’25 of Allentown, Pa.; Cole Gross ’26 of Mount Union, Pa.; Sylvia Ortega ’25 of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Isatou Sonko ’25 of Banjul, The Gambia. 

“We gather not just as spectators but as witnesses to the power of eloquence and diverse voices,” said Sarah Worley, professor of communication and chair of the Communication Department, who shared a tribute to the late Donna Weimer, professor emeritus of communication, “The Bailey Oratorical is more than just a contest; it is a platform for the exchange of ideas, a celebration of articulate minds, and a testament to the importance of free speech, which shapes our shared future.”   

Letitia Fisher Bailey and the Honorable Thomas F. Bailey, who served as president judge of Huntingdon County from 1916 to 1936, established the original Bailey Oratorical Award in 1910 in honor of John M. Bailey, the father of Thomas Bailey and a former Huntingdon County president judge.   

The oratorical contest has a long tradition at Juniata College. The original prizes for the contest were $15 and $25. An endowment created by Judge Bailey’s son-in-law, Colonel Sedgley Thornbury, provides the contest’s prize money. The winners’ names are permanently inscribed on an antique cup presented to the college by Colonel Thornbury’s son, Thomas Bailey Thornbury. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.