The Bradley University speech team finished the year with yet another national championship.
Director of Forensics Ken Young said the 140th Interstate Oratory Contest is considered by many to be the most prestigious and oldest public speaking contest in the country.
Through the allowance of the Interstate Oratorical Association, the top two students from each state come to a location to deliver their oratory for top honors at a two-day event.
Young said Bradley seniors Brooke Stevenson and Jacoby Cochran represented the state of Illinois.
Stevenson was a Top 12 semifinalist, and Cochran took home the national championship.
Cochran said bringing home the championship felt unreal and satisfying.
“My goal was always to contribute to this legacy in a legendary fashion,” he said. “The eleven individual national championships allow me to say that I accomplished that goal.”
Cochran said winning the prestigious award was an honor, Cochran said.
“I’m just happy to bring the Interstate Oratorical National Championship back to Bradley for the first time since 1999,” he said.
