The University of West Florida’s Speech and Debate team recently made waves at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensic Association State Championship Tournament, bringing home multiple state titles and impressive placements across several events. The competition, held Feb. 22-23 at the University of Central Florida, saw UWF students face off against peers from 11 other universities throughout Florida.
Reader’s Theater Takes Championship
Six talented UWF students — collectively known as “UWF’s Reader Theater”— claimed the state championship in their event category. This competition challenged the team to bring literature to life through a 20-minute theatrical production.
The winning piece, penned by Dr. Adam Blood (UWF Speech and Debate director), explored the powerful theme of students discovering community within Speech and Debate teams. Team members Asher Anderson, Michaela Jacobs, Gabrielle Minter, Taylor Parry, Charlie Kern, and Tuesday Williams delivered a performance that captivated judges and the audience.
“The students on this team did a phenomenal job representing UWF,” Blood remarked. “These tournaments at the end of the season are the result of months of research, practice, preparation and coaching. I’m immeasurably proud of the performances they put forward. They demonstrated not only talent, but dedication, commitment and support for each other. These students were a fantastic representation of what UWF has to offer.”
Individual Achievements
The team’s success wasn’t limited to group performances. Senior communications major Michaela Jacobs earned the state champion title in prose interpretation, second place in persuasive speaking and fifth place in after-dinner speaking. Jacobs was one of only two competitors selected to represent Florida at Nashville’s prestigious Interstate Oratory Association contest.
Jacobs shared, “I am honored and elated to represent UWF on a state level. I am grateful for the opportunity that Speech and Debate has given my teammates and me to talk about topics that we are passionate about. While I’m incredibly proud of my team for taking home awards, this activity has taught me the importance of the journey rather than the destination. The skills that we learned through preparing are what I will carry with me.”
Charlie Kern also brought home a state championship in communication analysis, showcasing exceptional analytical skills in evaluating and presenting complex topics. Kern further demonstrated versatility by placing fourth in impromptu speaking.
Other notable achievements include:
Asher Anderson – 2nd Place in After Dinner Speaking, 2nd Place in Informative Speaking
Michaela Jacobs & Taylor Parry – 2nd Place in Duo Interpretation
Madi Diaz – 4th Place in After Dinner Speaking, 6th Place in Poetry
Anthony Ruse – 5th Place in Extemporaneous Speaking
Morgan Lakey – 6th Place in Persuasive Speaking
Taylor Parry – 6th Place in Prose Interpretation
Kaylyn Allen – 6th Place in Informative Speaking
“Our debaters work hard every day under the expert guidance of Dr. Adam Blood, and these results are a testimony to their dedication,” said Dr. Kelly Carr, chair of the UWF Department of Communication. “I look forward to celebrating their successes at nationals and for Michaela to represent us at the Interstate Oratory Association contest in Nashville.”
For more information about the Speech and Debate team and the Department of Communication Arts, visit uwf.edu/commarts.