Walters State Wins Novice State Championship
March 3, 2025
Debate Team Ends Tournament with Community College Sweepstakes Award
The Walters State Community College Debate Team won a state championship in novice
debate at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Tournament, held at the University
of Tennessee.
“I am extremely proud of all my debaters,” said Belle Elliott, instructor of communication
and director of debate at the college. “This tournament also allowed our students
to meet many new people and make new connections.”
The team’s members also did well when competing as individuals. Stone Parker of Bean
Station was named the novice state champion, ranked first in the novice and first
in novice parliamentary categories. Chris Cox of Morristown placed sixth in the open
speaker category, which included debaters of all levels. Taylor Talley of Morristown
ranked first in novice extemporaneous speaking and placed fifth in open extemporaneous
speaking.
Other members of the team who participated in the championship-winning debate are
Lauren Bartone of Dandridge; Shannon Erickson of Parrottsville; Karissa Sandeyben
of Rogersville; Alyssa Jones of Rogersville; Keeghan Ferguson of New Market; and Tatum
Ailey of Sneedville.
The Debate Team is open to everyone and no prior experience is needed. For more information,
contact Elliott at Belle.Elliott@ws.edu.