NC Speech And Debate Team Earns National, International Honors
The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned international recognition and national honors during two major competitions in March, marking a milestone moment in the program’s continued growth and success.
During the weeks of March 6–13 and March 17–23, 11 students represented Newberry College at the International Forensics Association (IFA) Tournament in Athens, Greece, and the Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Biennial National Tournament and Convention in Springfield, Missouri. This marked the team’s first appearance at an international competition and just its second time competing at the PKD national tournament.
Competing against leading programs from institutions such as Cornell University, Louisiana State University, the University of Missouri, Butler University and the University of California-San Diego, Newberry students distinguished themselves among hundreds of competitors. The team earned a total of 10 awards across both tournaments, including three international titles and one national championship.
As a team, Newberry Speech and Debate placed among the top 20 programs internationally and finished 17th overall at the national level.
“This level of success on both the international and national stage is a testament to the hard work, preparation and talent of our students,” said Professor John Wallis, director of speech and debate. “To compete—and win—against some of the most established programs in the country and world is an extraordinary accomplishment.”
In addition to competitive success, the team was recognized at the PKD tournament with the R. David Ray New Chapter Award, honoring the program’s achievements in its first three years. Wallis was also elected as an at-large member of the PKD National Council, one of just three individuals selected nationwide.
Students who represented Newberry College in the competitions include Paul C. Fisher, Jose Ferrer, Heather Ray, Juliana Hernandez, Nia Quimby, Ashley Peterson, Wilfredo Lopez-Perez, Denim Morrison, Riley Lobash, Jorgia Weaver and Desiray Montgomery.
Individual results include:
International Forensics Association Tournament (Athens, Greece):
- Paul C. Fisher — Third place speaker, Open IPDA Debate
- Ashley Peterson — Octafinalist, Open IPDA Debate
- Denim Morrison — Semifinalist, Persuasive Speaking
Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Tournament and Convention (Springfield, Missouri):
- Heather Ray — Excellence Award, Impromptu Speaking; Octafinalist, Novice IPDA Debate
- Denim Morrison — Seventh place, Persuasive Speaking; Seventh place, Informative Speaking; Showcase participant, Communication Analysis; National Champion, Communication Analysis
Since the start of the competitive season in late September, the Newberry Speech and Debate Team has earned a total of 130 awards.
The team looks ahead to two remaining opportunities this season: the IPDA National Tournament in April at Middle Tennessee State University and the Interstate Oratory Association (IOA) Contest at the University of Florida, where Morrison has qualified. The IOA contest is the nation’s oldest tournament for persuasive speaking.
For more information about Newberry College Speech and Debate, visit https://www.newberry.edu/campus-life/get-involved/speech-debate-team
The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned international recognition and national honors during two major competitions in March, marking a milestone moment in the program’s continued growth and success.
During the weeks of March 6–13 and March 17–23, 11 students represented Newberry College at the International Forensics Association (IFA) Tournament in Athens, Greece, and the Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Biennial National Tournament and Convention in Springfield, Missouri. This marked the team’s first appearance at an international competition and just its second time competing at the PKD national tournament.
Competing against leading programs from institutions such as Cornell University, Louisiana State University, the University of Missouri, Butler University and the University of California-San Diego, Newberry students distinguished themselves among hundreds of competitors. The team earned a total of 10 awards across both tournaments, including three international titles and one national championship.
As a team, Newberry Speech and Debate placed among the top 20 programs internationally and finished 17th overall at the national level.
“This level of success on both the international and national stage is a testament to the hard work, preparation and talent of our students,” said Professor John Wallis, director of speech and debate. “To compete—and win—against some of the most established programs in the country and world is an extraordinary accomplishment.”
In addition to competitive success, the team was recognized at the PKD tournament with the R. David Ray New Chapter Award, honoring the program’s achievements in its first three years. Wallis was also elected as an at-large member of the PKD National Council, one of just three individuals selected nationwide.
Students who represented Newberry College in the competitions include Paul C. Fisher, Jose Ferrer, Heather Ray, Juliana Hernandez, Nia Quimby, Ashley Peterson, Wilfredo Lopez-Perez, Denim Morrison, Riley Lobash, Jorgia Weaver and Desiray Montgomery.
Individual results include:
International Forensics Association Tournament (Athens, Greece):
- Paul C. Fisher — Third place speaker, Open IPDA Debate
- Ashley Peterson — Octafinalist, Open IPDA Debate
- Denim Morrison — Semifinalist, Persuasive Speaking
Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Tournament and Convention (Springfield, Missouri):
- Heather Ray — Excellence Award, Impromptu Speaking; Octafinalist, Novice IPDA Debate
- Denim Morrison — Seventh place, Persuasive Speaking; Seventh place, Informative Speaking; Showcase participant, Communication Analysis; National Champion, Communication Analysis
Since the start of the competitive season in late September, the Newberry Speech and Debate Team has earned a total of 130 awards.
The team looks ahead to two remaining opportunities this season: the IPDA National Tournament in April at Middle Tennessee State University and the Interstate Oratory Association (IOA) Contest at the University of Florida, where Morrison has qualified. The IOA contest is the nation’s oldest tournament for persuasive speaking.
For more information about Newberry College Speech and Debate, visit https://www.newberry.edu/campus-life/get-involved/speech-debate-team
