Fourteen-year-old Victoria Rutledge enjoys volleyball and basketball, and she also plays the flute in her high school band. Although she is as normal as any other teenager, she is unlike most because she has found importance in memorizing scripture.
KENNER – Fourteen-year-old Victoria Rutledge enjoys volleyball and basketball, and she also plays the flute in her high school band. Although she is as normal as any other teenager, she is unlike most because she has found importance in memorizing scripture.
“Memorizing scripture is awesome because I’m not only learning it, but I’m putting it into practice in my life,” Rutledge said.
On May 2, Rutledge became the state winner of Louisiana’s Youth Bible Drill. She will go on to compete and represent Louisiana Baptists in the national competition at First Baptist Covington on June 19.
Rutledge first began competing in Bible drills as a fourth grade student at Crossroads Community Church in Kenner. When her church began offering Bible Drill she got into the competition and learned to love it.
For Rutledge, Bible Drill is not only a competition, but it is a fun way to memorize scripture that will help in daily situations.
“We have a Bible study at school that I go to and sometimes a Bible Drill verse will pop into my head,” Rutledge said. “I’m able to use those verses to explain a point or to help someone else out in their walk with God.”
Rutledge said that the state competition was much more difficult than the church and associational competitions because at state the competition is against other people her age who have participated in Bible Drill for just as long as she has. In preparation for the national competition she already has the verses memorized, but is working on getting quicker in the competition.
Although Rutledge chose to move on to Nationals, several other state Bible Drill winners chose to accept scholarships instead.
Ellyse Wilhelm of First Gonzales was the overall winner for grade 10; she accepted the Youth Evangelism Celebration scholarship.
Three winners for grade 11 were awarded four-year scholarships to Louisiana College – Alyssa Davis of First Gonzales, River Bates of First Slaughter and Meghan Dove of First Slidell.
There was a tie for grade 12 winners, each receiving $200 gift cards to LifeWay – Chelsea Jaggers of Bonita Road Baptist in Bastrop and Hannah Robinson of First Gonzales.