May 21, 2019
Communication studies recognizes accomplishments of students and competitive teams
The communication studies department honored the accomplishments of its competitive teams, undergraduate students and graduate students at its End of Year Recognition ceremony on May 10.
The K-State Speech Team finished the year as the 11th-ranked team in the nation at the 2019 American Forensic Association Individual Events Tournament. Nathan Dowell, 2019 national champion in impromptu speaking, was awarded the K-State Speech Team Speaker of the Year award.
The K-State Debate Team finished 32nd out of 102 teams at the Cross Examination Debate Association's National Tournament. Two students, Sam Leyba and Ben Engle, were awarded the association's All-American Award for competitive success, academic success, good conduct and contributions to their squad. Sofia Scavone earned the Midwest Debate Association Debate Scholar of the Year award, recognizing her academic and competitive accomplishments. Leyba was recognized as the Debate Team Researcher of the Year.
The K-State Mock Trial Team advanced to regionals this year. Elyssa Kohler was awarded Mock Trial Team Witness of the Year, Tom McClain was awarded Mock Trial Team Attorney of the Year, and Cade Ciesielski was recognized as the top trial presenter in Introduction to Trial Advocacy.
Communication studies students also were awarded more than $2,500 in scholarships. Kevin Colle and Hayley Spellman were awarded the Howard T. Hill Toastmaster Scholarship that recognizes outstanding students in the major. Kyra Lampe and Jessica Ricker were awarded the Thelma Wolfersperger Holliday Scholarship recognizing majors who demonstrate a strong background in communication studies and excel in their classroom studies. Andrye Denny, Caleb Pfeifer and Michael Wilson were awarded the Ivy Fuller Olds Scholarship recognizing their academic performance in the major.
Students also won a number of other awards in honor of their academic achievement and leadership. Bethany Chegwidden was awarded the Phil Anderson Leadership Award in recognition of her involvement with Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association's honor society. Kade Cummings and Kenzie Smith were awarded the David Procter New Student Award. Chegwidden, Eric Gallon and Shaylee Webb were recognized with the Chair’s Student Award. Master's degree students Noelle Doty and Tara Jackson were honored with the Goulden Graduate Teaching Award recognizing excellent teaching by masterss students, and Jacob Miller and Marlene Pierce were honored with the Schenck-Hamlin Graduate Student Research Award.