Four high school students brought their perspectives on faith and Scripture to Walla Walla University for the North Pacific Union Conference’s Three Angels Voices Oratorical Contest.
Three students from Walla Walla Valley Academy and one from Gem State Adventist Academy each delivered a five-minute sermon exploring an aspect of the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14. The event encouraged students to deepen their understanding of Scripture while developing the confidence and communication skills to share their faith.
“What I find most encouraging about this event is the opportunity to hear young people articulate their understanding of Scripture and communicate their faith in their own words,” says Brian Harris, NPUC director for secondary education.
Each academy in the union was invited to select representatives. A panel of judges evaluated participants on biblical understanding, organization and structure, delivery and presentation, language and creativity, and spiritual impact.
WWU supported the event through judging and hospitality. Carl Cosaert and Maria Bastien Valenca served as judges, and the School of Education and Psychology hosted the visiting students for lunch.
For Bastien Valenca, the gathering offered an opportunity to help students feel welcome on campus and recognize the effort behind their presentations. She appreciated their willingness to engage with a challenging biblical subject and their thoughtful use of metaphors and analogies to make the messages accessible to other teenagers. Their presentations, she noted, emphasized God’s love and opportunities for personal growth.
“The emphasis is not simply on polished public speaking, but on communicating a biblically grounded, grace-filled message that connects with others,” Harris says.
The competition selected one student to represent the NPUC at a national event Nov. 19–23 at Living Hope Retreat Center in Haymarket, Virginia. The representative and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expenses-paid trip. Finalists will receive coaching from experienced Adventist evangelists before delivering expanded, 10-minute sermons.
National finalists will receive educational scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for use at an Adventist academy or college of their choice.
Posted October 28, 2026
