Held each spring, the Throssell Literature/Language Festival brings together high school students from across the Chipola College district for seven contests in writing, language, literature, and the humanities. Recognition is given for first, second, and third place and honorable mentions in each contest. Dual enrollment students are welcome to compete.
The Seven Contests
An impromptu, expository essay written in one 90-minute period on a choice of topics provided at the contest. Essays are evaluated on:
- Substantial content
- A clear thesis
- An organizational plan
- Well-developed supporting paragraphs
- Specific, relevant details
- Logical transitions
- Effective word choice
- Standard English usage
A prepared five-to-seven minute speech on the assigned civics topic; more information can be found in the festival letter. Contestants should bring four copies of their speech, including a Works Cited page, and may use notes. Speeches are evaluated on:
- Clear position
- Sufficient and documented evidence
- Clear rebuttals
- Organization
- Voice
- Language
- Platform behavior and appearance
A two-to-three minute oral interpretation of a previously published literary work of the contestant's own choosing. Students present alone and should bring five copies of their reading for use by the judges. Evaluated on:
- Vocal projection, expressiveness and variety
- Interpretation of the material
- Eye contact
- Body language (gestures, movement)
Sponsored by Chipola President Dr. Sarah Clemmons. A 50-item, short-answer exam on this year's theme, Southern Playwrights, based on selections from five plays. The specific books will be sent to schools. Teams of up to four contestants per school may compete. Time allotted: 90 minutes. The winner receives a $100 cash prize and a Presidential Medallion.
A multiple-choice, 50-item exam covering all aspects of grammar, mechanics, and usage. Time allotted: 60 minutes.
A multiple-choice, 55-item exam covering American and English literature. Time allotted: 60 minutes.
A multiple-choice, 50-item exam covering art, art history, architecture, music, and world literature. Time allotted: 60 minutes.
General Rules
- Sponsoring teachers must accompany their students to the Festival.
- Contestants must be juniors or seniors currently enrolled in a high school in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, or Washington counties. Dual enrollment students may compete.
- Contestants may enter one contest per time period, for a maximum of two contests. See the festival schedule below for contests that meet at the same time.
- Each high school may enter a maximum of two students per contest, except the President's Reading Contest, which may have four, for a maximum of sixteen contestants per school.
- Time limits for each contest are rigidly observed; time is used as a tie breaker.
- All contests are administered and judged by Chipola College faculty and personnel on the day of the contest. Judges' decisions are final and binding.
- No study aids are allowed.
- The competition encourages widespread learning and inquiry rather than dictating curriculum; specific preparation references are not suggested, and contest materials are not distributed afterward.
Festival Schedule
Festival registration runs 8:30 to 8:45 a.m., followed by the welcome at 9:00. Awards are presented 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Sponsors and non-competing students attend the program during contest sessions.
- Writing
- Civics Argument
- Oral Interpretation
- President's Reading
- Grammar/Mechanics/Usage
- Literature
- Humanities
Faculty sponsors register their contestants online through MyChipola. Have your school name, sponsor contact information, and contestant names for each contest ready.
Register Your SchoolRegistration deadline: January 21, 2027