The JRP Debate Society Secures a Top 10 Trifecta at NFA Nationals
The John R. Park Debate Society wrapped up its nationals season at the National Forensics Association Championship Tournament hosted by Central Michigan University from April 18-22, 2024. The six-student team advanced seven different events, including the first novice final-round appearance at the NFA tournament, securing a 7th-place finish for the team.
This finish makes the University of Utah the only team in the nation to secure a top-ten finish at both the NPDA (debate) and the NFA (individual events) national tournaments, in addition to their top-ten placing at the IFA (International) tournament.
Across the season, students representing the Debate Society won 225 awards and were recognized as tournament champions 53 times. In addition to regular tournament wins, team members also secured two international championships, an NPDA All-American award, the WSCA Forensics Service Student award, and the Royal R. Garff Individual Sweepstakes award.
The Society will transition into its post-season activities, focusing on recruiting for next fall and hosting the Beehive Forensics Institute at the end of July.
COMPLETE RESULTS
National Forensics Association Championship Tournament
Overall Awards:
7th Place – President’s Two Division – University of Utah
Individual Speech Awards:
3rd Place – Novice Extemporaneous Speaking - Brinley Kemp
Quarter-Finalist – Extemporaneous Speaking – Meredith Jenkins
Octo-Finalist – Impromptu Speaking – Samantha Watrin
Octo-Finalist – Dramatic Interpretation – Javier Tejeda
Octo-Finalist – Impromptu Speaking – Meredith Jenkins
Octo-Finalist – Informative Speaking – Meredith Jenkins