Debate Team Earns Awards at Tennessee Invitational

This is an iThe Walters State Debate Team brought home a shelf full of awards from the Tennessee Valley Invitational forensics Tournament, held at Pellissippi State Community College. From left to right are team members Hannah Stoneman, Chris Cox, Ethan White and Joseph Parrett with Coach Belle Elliott on the right. mage.

Debate Team Earns Awards at Tennessee Invitational

The Walters State Debate Team will need a new shelf for the awards received at the Sixth Annual Tennessee Valley Invitation Forensics Tournament at Pellissippi State Community College earlier this month.

The team placed second in the National Parliamentary Debate Association Sweepstakes and Belle Elliott, in her first year as debate coach, received the Shaq Spirit Award. Elliott is an instructor of communication at Walters State. 

Joseph Parrott and Hannah Stoneman were recognized as top novice speakers during the tournament.

“I am especially proud of this team and each member,” Elliott said. “We took three brand new pairs to this tournament. These six members had never debated on the collegiate level and each one did an excellent job.”

Three team members earned varsity speaker awards. Cayden Keltgen placed second. Lorna Baxley placed fourth and Chris Cox placed sixth. The team of Baxley and Hannah Stoneman broke into the finals round. 
           
Cox also placed third in after-dinner speaker and first place in poetry. Parrott placed second in program of oral interpretation. Stoneman placed second in prose interpretation.

Students interested in being part of the Debate Team should contact Elliott at Belle.ElliottFREEWS. Previous experience is not needed.