JRP Freshman Jeremy Parrish Recognized as WSCA Forensics Service Award Recipient 

In February of 2025 the John R. Park Debate Society competed at the Western States Communication Association's (WSCA) annual tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they placed first among four-year schools. However, the awards at the WSCA are not all about competitive success. In 2024, the tournament introduced its first ever student service award. The "Forensics Service Wizard" award was created in honor of the 2024 host insitiution, Truckee Meadows Community College, and is intended to spotlight a student in forensics who not only participates in competition, but gives back to the forensics community. 

Jeremy Parrish, a freshman on the JRP, was awarded the 2025 Forensics Servcie Wizard Award, an honor recognizing his dedication and commitment to the impact of forensics education. Jeremy was not only nominated by the JRP Director of Debate, Ashton Poindexter, but the Director of Forensics at San Diego State University, Jonathon Loo. These nominations demonstrate Jeremy's wide reaching impact. Following his nominations, Jeremy was chosen as the receipient for the award by a panel of five coaches representing colleges and universities across the western states. 

Described by those in the forensics community as impressive, dedicated, and humble, Jeremy’s commitment to forensics expands past competition. In his first year with the JRP, Jeremy has assisted fourth and fifth graders learning argumentation and communication through a partnership with Morningside Elementary. “Jeremy’s work with elementary students demonstrates his commitment to forensics as an activity that can foster critical education, connection, personal growth, and confidence in young students,” said Ashton Pointdexter in his nomination letter.

Additionally, Jeremy works to connect collegiate forensics with high school teams via tabling, and is working with the JRP and the American Council for Trustees and Alumni to organize a public debate, and conversation to be held on March 26th. Meanwhile, Jeremy balances his work in forensics  with a communications internship with Utah FORGE, a geothermic lab aimed at advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Along with his service accomplishments, Jeremy’s leadership on the team has earned him a well-deserved reputation as someone who always goes above and beyond and truly cares about the forensics community. Congratulations to Jeremy on this wonderful accomplishment!