Forensics Students Win (Inter) National Awards
WCU Forensics Speech and Debate Team’s PA-Iota chapter members of the Pi Kappa Delta
national forensics honorary joined 77 chapters from 27 states and three countries
for the biennial tournament and convention held at Hofstra University on March 20-24.
WCU students brought home nine awards and honors from the event.
Alexandra Moore, sophomore honors communication sciences and disorders major from Billings, MT, earned a superior award in impromptu speaking and was one of six students selected to be a presenter in the extemporaneous/impromptu showcase at the end of the competition. She also earned an award for excellence in extemporaneous speaking and excellence in duo interpretation with her partner, Ian Duffy, first year honors communication sciences and disorders major from Collingdale.
In addition to his excellence award in duo interpretation, Duffy also won an excellence award in program oral interpretation.
Abriana Gonzalez, junior communication studies major from Elkins Park, captured a superior award in program oral interpretation and was one of six students selected to be a performer in the program oral interpretation/poetry interpretation showcase at the end of the competition. She also earned an excellence award in poetry interpretation.
Anna Hewitt, junior honors nursing major from Downingtown, won an excellence award in persuasive speaking.
Mark Hickman, the team’s coach and director of forensics, is retiring at the end of this academic year after more than 30 years developing WCU students with what he calls “one of the best co-curricular activities for developing leadership skills.” He was recognized during the conference for his mentorship and service across the forensics community.
The team will end the season when the forensics team will represent the University at the National Forensic Association Championships in mid-April in Santa Ana, CA.