Southeast was represented by two teams in the virtual tournament. Junior Camille Shoals of St. Louis, Missouri, and freshman Kaitlin Everitt of Bloomsdale, Missouri took first place with a 4-0 record. Junior Jaina Bemis of Alton, Illinois and sophomore Olivia Fensterman of Edwardsville, Illinois took second place with a 3-1 record.

 The students have worked hard all semester, and the results from this tournament show just how well their efforts paid off, said Dr. Lesli Pace, chairperson and associate professor in Southeast’s Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages

“Winning rounds showcases their ability to construct arguments and respond to their appointments' arguments in smart and compelling ways,” she said. “Winning the top four speaker awards indicates that our students are doing this with eloquence and power. We couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments or more excited that these women represent our department and university.”

In addition to winning the tournament, Southeast’s team members earned the top four speaker awards. Shoals was awarded top speaker, Everitt second place speaker, Bemis third place speaker and Fensterman fourth place speaker.

Photo caption: (From left to right) Southeast students Olivia Fensterman and Jaina Bemus; James West,  Southeast faculty advisor for the Southeast Debate Team; and Southeast students Camille Shoals and Kaitlin Everitt.