Howard Payne’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team recently competed at Colorado State University-Pueblo in Parliamentary debate and British Parliamentary debate, as well as in individual events. The competition was cohosted by the United States Air Force Academy and Colorado College. Twenty-three schools from 14 states competed.

Christopher Freeland of Brownwood, Reagan Grisham of Arlington, Nashota Isbell of Brownwood and Aimee Orozco of Shepherd engaged in Parliamentary debate.

“This was the first time for these four students to compete in Parliamentary debate,” said Dr. Julie Welker, SSB coach and chair of the Department of Communication.

“It’s always overwhelming competing in six debate rounds in one day – and these students improved significantly during the tournament.”

Braxton Clark of Southlake, Ashley Moon of Waxahachie, Luis Ortiz of Early and Morgan Ashmore of Weatherford competed in British Parliamentary debate.

“British Parliamentary debate focuses on international issues and policies,” explained Dr. Welker. “These students debated topics ranging from the EU refugee crisis to gender issues to university accreditation issues.”

In November, these four students will travel to Oxford University to participate in the Oxford IV, the world’s third-largest debate tournament.

Receiving awards were Christopher Freeland, 5th place in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking and 1st place in Novice Prose; Reagan Grisham and Christopher Freeland, 5th in Dramatic Duo; and Aimee Orozco, 6th place in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking.

Students also enjoyed sightseeing at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

The HPU speech and debate team will next compete at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Tournament Fall Championships in Corpus Christi, Nov. 6-7.

Pictured above: The Student Speaker Bureau, HPU’s speech and debate team, pictured on the HPU campus. Left to right: Christopher Freeland, Morgan Ashmore, Braxton Clark, Reagan Grisham, Luis Ortiz, Ashley Moon, Dr. Julie Welker, Aimee Orozco and Nashota Isbell.