The Jefferson State Speech and Debate Team recently traveled to Florence, KY to compete at a debate tournament hosted by Gateway Community and Technical College. Team members Zavoun Watts, Katlyn Grayson, Kristian Grayson, Heaven Sheppard, Daniel Davis and Joseph Honeycutt competed in IPDA (International Public Debate Association) debate along with other two and four-year schools.
Zavoun Watts made it all the way to finals and took second place at the tournament. Watts was also ranked as the 6th debate speaker of the competition. Speakers are ranked using the points given to them by judges in the debate rounds and are based on factors such as delivery, refutation, argumentation and courtesy. Daniel Davis was ranked the 5th speaker of the tournament and Heaven Sheppard was ranked as 7th speaker. Sheppard was also given the “Next In” award for being tied going into semi-finals and being the next in line for advancing.
The team is looking forward to their next tournament in January, which will be hosted by Mississippi State University. For more information about the team, please contact Dr. Janice Ralya ([email protected]).
