NORTHERN TODAY 8 SUMMER 2024 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY AT NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY, the communication studies program offers students a unique opportunity to excel through its prestigious speech and debate team. This award-winning team, recognized nationally, provides forensic opportunities at local, state and national levels in various categories, including debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory and oral interpretation. Joining the speech and debate team at Northern State University means becoming part of a community dedicated to excellence. Under the guidance of Director of Forensics Dr. Justin Gus Foote, students not only compete, but also gain invaluable experience in tournament administration and judging at Northern-sponsored high school forensic competitions. A YEAR OF SUCCESS AND GROWTH NSU’s speech and debate team had another successful academic year, focusing primarily on two major events due to unique circumstances. In fall 2023, the team participated in Off-Broadway Swing at Hofstra University in New York. On the first day of competition, Alex Arndt and Abiah George excelled in international public debate, finishing preliminary rounds with records of 3-1 and 4-0, respectively. Both earned silver awards and helped NSU secure fourth place in overall debate team sweepstakes. The following day, they competed in national parliamentary debate, advancing through elimination rounds and ultimately winning the tournament championship, with NSU placing fifth overall in team sweepstakes. In spring 2024, the team headed to Phoenix, Arizona for the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament. First-year competitors Haylee Bohnet, Kaitlyn Maas and Savannah Shrake represented NSU with distinction. Shrake placed 10th in the nation in student congress, and Bohnet placed 17th in the nation in dramatic interpretation. She also performed in both DI and duo showcases. Maas was awarded the coach’s award for providing the most humorous moments during the trip. Overall, the team gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future growth and success. Northern State’s Speech and Debate Team: Fostering Excellence and National Recognition NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Aberdeen Central High School’s Kerry Konda (B.S. ‘07), a Northern State University alumnus, was named the 2024 National Speech and Debate Coach of the Year by the National Speech and Debate Association. The NSDA honored Konda at the national tournament in June, recognizing his significant contributions and the remarkable success of his team. Leading the CHS speech and debate team since 2009, Konda has achieved a No. 8 national ranking last fall and the team’s eighth consecutive state championship this spring. Known affectionately as “Kondad” for his unwavering support and encouragement, Konda’s influence extends beyond awards, transforming his students’ lives. Konda’s journey began with a solid educational foundation at Northern State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in speech communication in 2007, a bachelor’s degree in education in social science and history in 2008, and a master’s degree in education in leadership and administration in 2014. A PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE For students at Northern State University, participating in the speech and debate team is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth. The team’s success and the experiences gained prepare students to tackle pressing issues and pursue their dreams with resilience and determination. Next year’s Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament will be held in Athens, Ohio, at Ohio University. If you are interested in helping with the NSU speech and debate team or would like to support its competitions, please contact Dr. Justin Gus Foote at justin.foote@northern.edu. From left: Abiah George, Alexandria Arndt and Dr. Justin Gus Foote pose for a photo after a debate-themed Noon Forum presentation in January 2024.
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