BLINN STUDENTS EARN TOP AWARDS AT STATE SPEECH AND DEBATE TOURNAMENT

  

The Blinn College speech and debate team captured four individual awards recently at the Texas Community College State Championship in Pasadena.

Garrett Pessink, a first-year student from Whitehouse, won the state championship in communication analysis for his 10-minute prepared speech on the theory of documentary film. Pessink also earned third place in impromptu speaking, in which competitors have seven minutes to plan and prepare a speech pertaining to a quote they are given.

“It felt good to hear my name called with such a low number on the roster,” Pessink said. “It’s so important for everyone to learn how to communicate well, regardless of where you are in life or what your occupation is. I really love speech and debate and I’m proud to be a part of the team here at Blinn.”

Ryan Schulman, a second-year student from Newport Beach, Calif., captured fourth place in after-dinner speaking, in which competitors deliver a 10-minute prepared, informative or persuasive speech that uses humor to make poignant social observations. Schulman placed seventh in impromptu speaking.

Chrystian Lopez and Thomas Matchett also represented Blinn at the event, which included 111 total entries from eight colleges.

“Impromptu is the largest event at the tournament and we brought two students to finals,” said Kathryn Kelly, team director. “There’s tough competition at this tournament and the team did incredibly well. I’m very proud of their progress.”

The team’s final tournament of the season is March 13-15 at the Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Association regional tournament in Tyler.

The speech and debate team was launched in Fall 2014 by Kelly and assistant director Betsy Stoltz. Though the season is coming to a close, students will continue to work with Kelly and Stoltz to prepare for next season’s competitions.

For more information on the team, contact Kelly at kathryn.kelly@blinn.edu or Stoltz at elizabeth.stoltz@blinn.edu.

 

Garrett Pessink
Garrett Pessink
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