GREENVILLE, S.C. (December 8, 2025) – Several Bob Jones University students participated as members of the Bob Jones University delegation in the fall session of the South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL) held November 19-21, 2025, in Columbia, S.C.
Preparation for SCSL helps students learn the intricacies of representative government and provides an opportunity for them to hone their skills by debating their peers on a host of issues.
Founded in 1956 by Dr. Doug Carlisle, the organization is run entirely by students. Former participants include current South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
This session, Bob Jones University, University of South Carolina, Costal Carolina University, Clemson University, Charleston Southern University, Presbyterian College, and Francis Marion University fielded delegations.
The BJU delegation was chaired by junior Josiah Gearhart of Greenville and comprised of senior Hope Combest from Clarkston, Michigan; sophomore Avery Kendall from Greenville; sophomore J.J. Mayes from Greer; and sophomore Caleb Rose from Flint.
Alyssa Marks (’19) served as delegation sponsor.
“This session was great, and I am so proud of our delegation,” said Josiah Gearhart, BJU delegation chair. “We worked well with other schools on legislation and were able to build and grow genuine friendships that will last far beyond these three days.”
At the session, the BJU delegation received the awards for Best Medium Size Delegation and Best Overall Delegation. In addition, three members successfully passed their bills. Caleb Rose’s bill eliminated property tax for retirees in the state of S.C. J.J. Mayes passed a bill to limit out-of-state donations to S.C. political campaigns. Hope Combest’s bill increased judicial accountability in S.C. by reforming the Judicial selection process in order to give the Governor, rather than the House and Senate, the authority to appoint the Supreme Court.
“We also passed three of our four bills because our delegates did an excellent job writing and presenting their legislation,” Gearhart continued. “Because of their outstanding work, we won Best Overall Delegation and represented Christ well through our pursuit of excellence.”
