WCU's Forensics Speech and Debate Team Earns a Season Total of 25 Awards
West Chester University’s Forensics Speech and Debate Team continued a standout season,
earning 10 awards across two recent tournaments and bringing their yearly total to
more than 25 honors.
The team competed at the Southern and Northern Atlantic Forensic Union (SNAFU) Tournament on February 8 at Cornell University. Representing WCU, Riley Atkinson and Keeley Malloy, accompanied by advisor Dr. Ellen Santa Maria and graduate assistant Indiana Gallant, faced competitors from seven universities.
Atkinson, the team’s president, took first place in both After Dinner Speaking and Prose Interpretation. Malloy earned third place in Poetry Interpretation and fourth in Program Oral Interpretation. Despite a two-person roster, WCU placed fifth overall in team sweepstakes.
Two weeks later, the team competed at the Pennsylvania Forensics Association (PFA) Tournament at Bloomsburg University (February 21–22), with strong results across multiple categories.
- Riley Atkinson: 1st – After Dinner Speaking; 1st – Prose Interpretation; 2nd – Oratorical Declamation
- Alex Segura-Nunez: 2nd – Program Oral Interpretation
- Keeley Malloy: 3rd – Oratorical Declamation; 3rd – Poetry Interpretation; 4th – Program Oral Interpretation
- Jacob Skop: 4th – Prose Interpretation
According to the PFA, West Chester University is currently ranked fourth in Pennsylvania for speech and debate—an achievement reflecting the team’s continued dedication and skill.
WCU’s forensics students spend the academic year refining skills in public speaking,
argumentation, and performance, using their work to engage with real-world issues
through storytelling and advocacy.
“This team has been a labor of love,” said Atkinson, the current president, under whose leadership the team has found so much success this year. “It’s a lot of different people bringing diverse aspects of themselves into advocacy while also honing the kinds of communication skills that make WCU students stand out. My achievements in forensics are the highlights of my college career.”
Advisor Dr. Ellen Santa Maria emphasized the broader impact of the program.
“Now more than ever, we need to protect and nurture students’ opportunities for public debate and thoughtful oratory,” said team advisor Dr. Santa Maria. “The members of WCU’s Forensics Speech and Debate Team stand out as exemplars in democratic speech. As an educator, it is both inspiring and energizing to work with such passionate young people.”
The team is currently raising funds to support travel and competition expenses, with a goal to sustain its tradition of attending multiple tournaments each year.
To support the West Chester University Forensics Team, visit:
https://gofund.me/5a309a9da