LED BY James Hilbert ’11 and Sam Derrick ’10, the Forensics Society was national runner-up in Lincoln-Douglas debate, its best showing ever in the event, at National Forensics Association’s national tournament. In the speech competition, which is organized in divisions, Lafayette placed second nationally in President’s Division III.
Hilbert, a mechanical engineering major, placed second individually in LD debate, and Derrick (economics and business) tied for third. “It was unexpected and a bit scary to be in the final round of a national competition,” Hilbert says. “It was extremely rewarding to see the hard work we put in all year paying off. I look forward to coming back next year.”
Kyle deCant ’10 (philosophy/government and law) and Angela Wnek ’13 tied for 13th in extemporaneous speaking and dramatic interpretation, respectively. A year ago, the speech team won its first national title.
“The skills I’ve learned on this team will serve me well in many different aspects of my career,” says Ryan Benjamin ’10 (computer science), who placed ninth in LD and will begin his career as a financial engineer at Moody’s Analytics. “Being able to listen, think critically, and respond intelligently in a short time is invaluable in the business world.”
The Forensics Society is coached by Scott Placke, director of forensics, and John Boyer, director of debate and assistant director of forensics.