2025 Bailey Oratorical - Tuesday, March 4, 2025
This year's prompt is as follows:
As Juniata commemorates the 40th anniversary of The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies we invite the community to reflect on Elizabeth Evans Baker’s inspirational quote.
The quote, “Peace is everybody’s business,” challenges us to view peace not as a distant ideal or the responsibility of governments alone, but as a shared, everyday commitment. In today’s world, where conflict, division, and unrest often dominate headlines, the pursuit of peace is often obscured but more urgent than ever.
What does it mean to make peace "everybody’s business?"
Participants are invited to explore the profound implications of this quote at either the level of personal responsibility and/or as a collective endeavor.
- Final Round is Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
The Bailey Oratorical—One of Juniata's Longest Standing Traditions!
The Bailey Oratorical stands as the oldest ongoing tradition of academic excellence we have at Juniata. The original Bailey award was established in 1910 by Letitia Fisher Bailey (wife of John M.) and Thomas F. Bailey (son of John M.) Thomas F. Bailey served as president judge in Huntingdon County from 1916-1936. The contest was established in honor of the judge’s father, John M. Bailey, who had also served as president judge of Huntingdon County.
The competition is open to ALL students! Participants must prepare a 6-8 minute speech.
Speeches should be persuasive, creative, and strive for originality (not be written
by AI). Speeches will be judged on their technical merits: a well-reasoned argument,
relevant content and support, clear structure, and effective delivery.
The first place winner will be awarded $1,000. The second place prize is $700 and third place prize is $500. In addition, the name of the winner is inscribed on an antique Loving Cup presented by Col. Thornbury’s son, Thomas Bailey Thornbury.
Previous Bailey Oratorical Contests can be viewed here.
For any questions, please contact Sarah Worley at worley@juniata.edu.