LCC Speech and Debate earns three medals

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team earned three individual medals at Phi Rho Pi Nationals in Washington D.C. metro area. Phi Rho Pi is the national forensic association representing two-year colleges. Its weeklong national tournament is considered the premiere end of season speech and debate competition for community college students.

First year student Charlotte Curry led the way with a silver medal in IPDA debate. Curry also competed in extemporaneous speaking and parliamentary debate.

Tungalagbolor Shinetulga won Bronze in impromptu speaking. She is the first international student in Fighting Smelt history to win any award at a national tournament.

Cameron Richey won Bronze in IPDA debate. In his first year on the team, he impressively advanced to elimination rounds at both Phi Rho Pi and IPDA Nationals.

Jaida Barrows, Mikey Mace, Sarah Maffett, Spencer Slavazza, and team Captain Adah Moore also represented the Fighting Smelt at Phi Rho Pi Nationals. The team was coached by LCC faculty members Alex Brehm (Communication Studies) and Larissa Arnold (Psychology).

This tournament concludes the 2022-2023 speech and debate season for the Fighting Smelt.