The John R. Park Debate Society Finishes 2nd at NFA Nationals
The John R. Park Debate Society wrapped up its national season at the National Forensics Association Championship Tournament hosted by Wayne State University from April 17-21, 2025. The four-student team advanced nine different events, securing a 2nd-place finish for the team. This is the team’s highest finish at the NFA National Tournament to date.
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 for the second year in a row.
Across the season, students representing the Debate Society won 156 competitive individual awards and placed in the top three as a team in eight of the ten tournaments attended, with 31 of their 34 events qualifying for nationals. In addition to regular tournament wins, team members also secured the individual sweepstakes honors at five of the six tournaments that awarded a top student, including the International Forensics Association Championship Tournament and the Royal R. Garff Individual Sweepstakes award. The team also brought home the WSCA Forensics Service Student award, securing a Utah win each year this award has been presented, and the Best of the West perpetual award.
The Society will transition into its post-season activities, hosting a free national preparation clinic for high school students on May 10th, 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:
2nd Place – President’s Three Division – University of Utah
Individual Speech Awards:
2nd Place – Novice Informative Speaking- Aubrie Powers
3rd Place – Novice After Dinner Speaking – Aubrie Powers
Quarter-Finalist – Persuasive Speaking – Samantha Watrin
Quarter-Finalist – Impromptu Speaking – Samantha Watrin
Octo-Finalist – Extemporaneous Speaking – Maria Manousakis
Octo-Finalist – Extemporaneous Speaking -Aubrie Powers
Octo-Finalist – Informative Speaking – Samantha Watrin
Octo-Finalist – Impromptu Speaking – Maria Manousakis
Individual Debate Awards:
3rd Place – Novice NFA Lincoln-Douglas Debate – Aubrie Powers