Speech Team victorious at PKD Nationals

For over 100 years, Heidelberg’s Forensics Team has been competing at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament. This year was no exception as seniors Julia Schaefer, Kelsey Stanfield and Ellis Herner represented the ‘Berg in Glendale, Arizona, this week. Glendale Community College hosted 59 teams from across the country for the four-day competition, which included more than 1,450 individual entries in both speech and debate. Pi Kappa Delta is the nation's oldest forensics honorary and Heidelberg has been a part of it since 1921.

Heidelberg continued its strong showing at this season’s pinnacle tournament. Julia earned “Top Superior” in prose interpretation. According to Director of Forensics, Dan Higgins, “This award places Julia in the top three prose speakers in the nation – a truly remarkable feat.” Additionally, she earned an “Excellent” ranking in both After Dinner Speech and Broadcasting. Kelsey also had a strong showing, earning an “Excellent” ranking in Broadcasting.

The warm weather, beautiful scenery and spectacular competition made this Spring Break tournament one for the books. Coach Higgins and all team members are deeply thankful to Heidelberg’s “forensics alumni” who made this trip possible through their generous donations over the years.