UWF Speech and Debate students earn state championships at FIFA

The University of West Florida Speech and Debate team showcased their talent, earning multiple state titles and top placements at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensic Association State Championship Tournament on Feb. 22-23. UWF students competed against students from 11 other universities from across the state at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

A team of six UWF students, named the “UWF’s Reader Theater,” secured a state championship in their event. The event, one of 12 events at the tournament, served as a competitive one-act play, involving performers bringing literature to life in a 20-minute theatrical production. UWF’s winning piece, authored by Dr. Adam Blood, UWF Speech and Debate director, explored the theme of students finding community within their Speech and Debate teams. The team included Asher Anderson, Michaela Jacobs, Gabrielle Minter, Taylor Parry, Charlie Kern and Tuesday Williams.

“The students on this team did a phenomenal job representing UWF,” Blood said. “These tournaments at the end of the season are the result of months of research, practice, preparation and coaching. I’m immeasurably proud of the performances they put forward. They demonstrated not only talent, but dedication, commitment and support for each other. These students were a fantastic representation of what UWF has to offer.”

Individually, Jacobs, a communications major who is in her senior year, was named state champion in prose interpretation, in addition to earning second place in persuasive speaking and fifth place in after dinner speaking. Jacobs was also one of only two competitors selected to represent Florida at the prestigious Interstate Oratory Association contest in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I am honored and elated to represent UWF on a state level,” Jacobs said. “I am grateful for the opportunity that Speech and Debate has given my teammates and me to talk about topics that we are passionate about. While I’m incredibly proud of my team for taking home awards, this activity has taught me the importance of the journey rather than the destination. The skills that we learned through preparing are what I will carry with me.”

Kern took home a state championship in communication analysis, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in critically evaluating and presenting complex topics. Additionally, Kern placed fourth in impromptu speaking.

Other notable achievements include:

• Asher Anderson – 2nd Place in After Dinner Speaking, 2nd Place in Informative Speaking
• Michaela Jacobs & Taylor Parry – 2nd Place in Duo Interpretation
• Madi Diaz – 4th Place in After Dinner Speaking, 6th Place in Poetry
• Anthony Ruse – 5th Place in Extemporaneous Speaking
• Morgan Lakey – 6th Place in Persuasive Speaking
• Taylor Parry – 6th Place in Prose Interpretation
• Kaylyn Allen – 6th Place in Informative Speaking

“Our debaters work hard every day under the expert guidance of Dr. Adam Blood, and these results are a testimony to their dedication,” said Dr. Kelly Carr, chair of the UWF Department of Communication. “I look forward to celebrating their successes at nationals and for Michaela to represent us at the Interstate Oratory Association contest in Nashville.”

For more information about the Speech and Debate team and the Department of Communication Arts, visit uwf.edu/commarts.