NWFSC Forensics Speech and Debate Team Earns Top Honors at State Competitions

The Northwest Florida State College Forensics Speech and Debate Team earned multiple awards at two state competitions this spring, securing top placements in speech and debate events.

At the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Conference, NWFSC competitors placed in the top five across multiple categories, including a first-place finish in Persuasive Speaking:

• Mason Porter – 1st Place, Persuasive Speaking
• Hannah McKosky – 3rd Place, Informative Speaking
• Melanie Sabillon – 4th Place, Informative Speaking
• Lily Howland – 5th Place, Informative Speaking
  
  

The team also placed first in the Limited Entry Individual Events Sweepstakes at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association (FIFA) State Championship. Additionally, Porter secured a third-place finish in Persuasive Speaking at the event.

NWFSC President Mel Ponder recognized the team’s success: “Our Forensics Team represents excellence, dedication, and the power of effective communication. These students have worked incredibly hard to refine their skills, and their success on the state stage is a testament to their talent and commitment.”

The college’s forensics program provides students with competitive speech and debate training, offering experience in debate formats such as Lincoln Douglas, Policy, and Parliamentary and individual events, including prose, poetry, and scripted performances. The program also includes limited preparation events, where students develop speeches with no prior knowledge of the topic.

Forensics competitions enhance critical thinking and communication skills, which can benefit students in academic and professional settings.

For more information about the NWFSC Forensics Team, contact Raiderlife@nwfsc.edu.