The Berry College Forensic Unit earned their 24th consecutive team state championship at the Georgia Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Championship earning themselves a spot at both the National Speech Championship as well the Novice Nationals in March.
“The team is thrilled about the win, and I think there’s also an awareness that the value of what we’re doing goes beyond competition,” said student Shelby Newland. “The skills we’re developing will be as valuable in 10 years as they are today, and the ideas and arguments we’re exploring carry significance far beyond ourselves.”
Anna Claire Tucker, Avery James and Beth Anne DeKeizer will be representing Berry at the National Speech Championship March 24-25 at the University of Nebraska. Fourteen students will represent Berry at the Novice Nationals March 9-11 at Suffolk University in Boston.
At the State Championship Tournament, Berry took first place in 11 of the 14 different events. In addition, Berry students swept the board taking the top three places in eight events.
“We are incredibly proud of the success the team has had this season. This was a rebuilding year for the team, and for them to be so successful shows not only incredible talent, but dedication,” Director of Forensics Matthew Delzer said. “I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes next.”
Britton Ody and Anna Claire Tucker were selected as the top two students in the event of “Persuasive Speaking” from the state to represent Georgia in the Interstate Oratorical Contest in late April. The contest is the oldest intercollegiate public speaking contest in America, having begun in 1874.
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Written by Public Relations Student Supervisor Alexi Bell
