Full forensics force: Speech Team wins at Ohio University

Heidelberg’s Speech Team was in full forensics force at Ohio University this past weekend where they competed in both the Ohio Forensics Association’s State Novice Tournament and the Ohio University 1804 Tournament.

Heidelberg’ novice team earned 2nd Place in President’s Division at the State Novice Championship. Leading the team’s individual efforts was senior biology major Grant McMaster, who placed 1st in informative speaking with his presentation on Down Syndrome. He also placed 6th in persuasive speaking with his speech on the rise and spread of medical misinformation on social media.

Junior political science major Shannon Petrulis earned 2nd place in informative speaking about the history of expiration dates and their far-reaching consequences. Her persuasive speech on overconsumption as a primary driver of environmental degradation and resource depletion earned 7th place.

Rounding out the novice team’s efforts was freshman exercise science major Dominick Zaffos, who earned 5th place in persuasive speaking with his presentation on “false flagging” for AI in student-submitted work.

Sophomore primary education major Rena Burris earned 5th place in persuasive speaking at the 1804 Tournament, addressing the issue of declining reading proficiency of our nation’s youth.

Director of Forensics Dan Higgins noted, “This year’s team has continued to impress. Their diversity of backgrounds, experience, and majors of study are reflective of the quintessential Heidelberg student. They are all involved in many activities on campus and have chosen to develop their speaking skills as well. It’s exciting to see their growth and the tremendous way they represent the ‘Berg.”