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116th Bailey Oratorical Showcases Student Speeches on Juniata's Legacy and What Lies Ahead
(Posted February 11, 2026)
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From the left, Adithya Kommi ’27, Chase Swain ’28, Jahnavi Patel ’26, Nicole Montes Pérez ’26, Ethan Achmoody ’28, Daniel McCauley ’26, and Drew Perhamus ’26
From the left, Adithya Kommi ’27, Chase Swain ’28, Jahnavi Patel ’26, Nicole Montes Pérez ’26, Ethan Achmoody ’28, Daniel McCauley ’26, and Drew Perhamus ’26
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The oldest ongoing tradition of academic excellence at Juniata College, the 116th Bailey Oratorical, will bring student speakers together to reflect on the College’s sesquicentennial milestone on Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Communications Department, the annual speech competition encourages students from all areas of study to present persuasive speeches on a topic that changes annually.
This year’s event is open to the public to watch in the Alumni Hall (A100), located in the Brumbaugh Academic Center, or live online at www.juniata.edu/academics/communication/bailey-oratorical/.
Reflecting upon Juniata’s legacy, people, traditions, and transformation, speakers were prompted to consider the lessons from past that should be carried forward to meet the challenges of the next 150 years and asked, “What future should Juniata strive to create – for its students, for higher education, and for the world?”
Established in 1910, the Bailey Oratorical competition features prizes of $1,000, $700, and $500 for the top three students. In addition, the name of the winner will be permanently inscribed on an antique loving cup. Audience members who attend in person are invited to participate in a text-to-vote poll for the People’s Choice Award, for which one of the student finalists will receive $100.
This year’s student finalists are Ethan Achmoody ’28 of Clearfield, Pa., who is studying biochemistry and religion; Adithya Kommi ’27 of Bangalore, India, who is studying mathematics; Daniel McCauley ’26 of Reading, Pa., who is studying environmental science with a secondary emphasis in peace and conflict studies; Jahnavi Patel ’26 of Ahmedabad, India, who is studying data science with a secondary emphasis in finance; Nicole Montes Pérez ’26 of South Gate, Ca., who is studying environmental science with a secondary emphasis in politics; Drew Perhamus ’26 of Easton Pa., who is studying engineering physics; and Chase Swain ’28 of Stamford, Ct., who is studying international politics and secondary English education.
Over the next few days, faculty mentors will coach the students to polish their content and delivery in preparation for the competition.
Judges for the final competition are Dustin Gee ’10, a global talent acquisition leader with more than a decade of experience building and scaling recruiting operations across technology startups, higher education, and global biopharma organizations; Joy Hadley ’84, a senior executive service leader who oversaw federal housing lender compliance and risk management; and Bob McDowell ’67, executive coach, leadership advisor, and former senior partner with expertise in HR, organizational development, and civic leadership.
Twenty-one students competed in the preliminary round of the competition, which took place on February 7, 2026, with alumni Calvin Bembry ’19, Ali Goulden, ’19, and Theresa Joson ’19 serving as judges.
The original Bailey Oratorical Award was established in 1910 by Letitia Fisher Bailey and the Honorable Thomas F. Bailey, who served as president judge of Huntingdon County from 1916 to 1936. The contest is named in honor of John M. Bailey, the father of Thomas Bailey and a former Huntingdon County president judge.
The original prizes for the competition were $15 and $25. An enhanced endowment contribution by Judge Bailey’s son-in-law, Colonel Sedgley Thornbury, provides the contest’s prize money. The antique loving cup used in the competition was presented to the college by Colonel Thornbury’s son, Thomas Bailey Thornbury.
About Juniata College Sesquicentennial Juniata College, celebrating its 150th anniversary during the 2025–2026 academic year, has a long tradition of education, integrity, and service. Founded in 1876 as Huntingdon Normal School by Andrew B. Brumbaugh and his cousins, the College has grown from a single classroom above a printshop to a vibrant campus preparing students for lives of leadership, purpose, and meaningful impact. The sesquicentennial year features a range of commemorative events, including lectures, performances, exhibits, and special programs, highlighting Juniata’s history and vision for the future. Learn more at www.juniata.edu.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.