HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team competed in their season opener at the Mendoza Debates, held at Lee College in Baytown, finishing with significant honors.

Earning top honors for the team was freshman Solomon Sabo, Guy D. New Honors Academy, public policy and Christian studies major from Melissa. Sabo was a finalist in the junior varsity division of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), winning second place, and earning the third place speaker award in the event. 

Additionally, Rylie Burden, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and social science jurisprudence major from Lubbock, was a quarterfinalist in the varsity debate division and earned ninth place top speaker in varsity.

Katelyn Sims, senior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and global studies major from Cleburne, was the seventh place varsity IPDA speaker. Chloe Jones, freshman biomedical science major from Schertz, earned a spot as an octofinalist in the junior varsity division of IPDA debate. 

“In an era when young adults need authentic argumentation and advocacy skills, academic debate provides the training ground to communicate openly, clearly and effectively,” said Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication, chair of the Department of Communication and coach of the team. “Our students are learning lifelong skills for participating in civic and cultural engagement.” 

HPU competed against 17 universities, from four different states, with students from many different backgrounds, majors and beliefs.

“These debaters came out very strong in our first tournament, seeing competitors from across the U.S,” said Dr. Welker. “We had two of the top ten speakers in the varsity division, and that is quite an accomplishment in a field of 42 speakers from some of the top IPDA programs in the nation.”

Also competing in the tournament was senior team captain Adrielle Sloan, Guy D. Newman, public policy and strategic communication major from Blue Ridge. 

“Adrielle has stepped into our team captain role this year, and her support and student coaching of the team is critical to everyone’s success,” said Dr. Welker.

The team will travel to Texas Christian University (TCU) in October for the DFW Swing tournament, hosted by TCU and UT Dallas. 

HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau relies on donations to fully fund their program. To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give and select “Other” below the “Designation” heading. A space will then be provided to type “Student Speaker Bureau,” and the donation form can then be completed accordingly.

High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at [email protected]. All members of the team must audition and receive a scholarship based on their previous speech and debate accomplishments.

Applications for admission to HPU for the spring 2026 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or [email protected] or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.