Five Linfield University students competed on a national stage at the National Forensic Association’s National Championship Tournament in Detroit, Michigan, April 17-21. They entered the speech and debate tournament against hundreds of other university competitors, after qualifying for the competition by ranking at the top of regional tournaments in their respective speech events.
Congratulations to the following students on their strong finishes:
- Clara Johansen ’25 finished in the top 48 for Persuasive Speaking. She also competed in Programmed Oral Interpretation, After Dinner Speaking, and Communication Analysis.
- Ethan Smith ’25 finished in the top 48 for Impromptu Speaking. They also competed in Extemporaneous Speaking and Duo Interpretation.
- Mari Stewart ’25 finished in the top 100 in Dramatic Interpretation. She also competed in Duo Interpretation.
- Kenny McMillen ’27 finished top 100 in Extemporaneous Speaking. He also competed in Communication Analysis, Informative Speaking, and After Dinner Speaking.
- Zackery Olson ’26 finished top 100 in both Persuasive Speaking and Informative Speaking.
The students will showcase their speech at Linfield University’s 33rd Annual Student Symposium May 23 across the Linfield University McMinnville Campus. This all-day event highlights the innovation and academic achievements of Linfield students. Students present a diverse range of work, including performances, short films, artwork, research in the natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and other fields.
Learn more about Linfield’s forensics program at https://www.linfield.edu/tca/forensics-program.html.
