Kayla Coalwell Emerges Victorious in Bash Whisler Bible Contest

EUGENE, Ore. – In a testament to academic excellence and spiritual depth, Bushnell University proudly announces that Kayla Coalwell, a sophomore majoring in teacher education, emerged victorious in Bushnell’s Bash-Whisler Bible Contest. The annual competition, hosted during the spring semester at Bushnell’s weekly chapel, showcased three exceptional finalists, including Kalani Miller, a senior bible major and reigning Bash-Whistler champion, and Dennis Cox, a sophomore psychology major. 

Founded by students of Northwest Christian College, the Bash-Whisler Bible Contest has been a cherished tradition for the university for over 90 years. The competition features an expressive reading of an Old Testament passage and a memorized delivery of a New Testament passage. University judges evaluated submissions, choosing the top six contestants early last week, with the final three competing live in chapel. 

Dr. Doyle Srader, the coordinator of the contest and Professor of Speech and Communication at Bushnell, emphasized the significance of the competition, stating, “Each Bushnell student who enters Bash-Whisler publicly celebrates God’s word aloud to bless their brothers and sisters. The overflow of joy from their heart infuses the passage and brings its meaning to life.” 

Coalwell’s win reflects not only her academic ability but also her commitment to spiritual discovery, as she demonstrated a deep understanding of and passion for the scripture passages she presented. 

To view the live recording of this event and view the presentations of all three finalists, visit the Bushnell University YouTube channel.