UIS Speech and Debate Continues to Win Awards
SPRINGFIELD, IL (November 23, 2020) – The awards continue to come in from the UIS Speech and Debate Team. This past weekend, the team took part in the Sharknado Invitational hosted by Southeast Arkansas College. This was the team’s fourth virtual competition of the semester.
| Place | Competitor | Team |
| 1st Place | Bryce Enger | Dordt University |
| 2nd Place | Lisette Cortes-Benitez | University of Illinois Springfield |
| 3rd Place | Theresa Yahr | Southwest Minnesota State University |
| 4th Place | Tara Ward | Southeast Arkansas College |
| Place | Competitor | Team |
| 1st Place | Glenyz Pereira | University of Central Florida |
| 2nd Place | Ivey Knebel | Lone Star College - North Harris |
| 3rd Place | Samantha Smithart | Maricopa Speech and Debate |
| 4th Place | Earin Murrell | NSU Speech and Debate |
| 5th Place | Sarah Burris | University of Illinois Springfield |
| 6th Place | Caryana Dominguez | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater |
In her debut appearance, Sophomore Lisette Cortes-Benitez placed second in the novice category of informative speaking. Her speech discusses the historical importance of the Mendez vs. Westminster Supreme Court case. Senior Sarah Burris continued her success streak by placing fifth in poetry interpretation.
The University of Illinois Springfield Speech and Debate Team is committed to training the next generation of civic leaders, public speakers, and communicators who are passionate about effecting change in their communities. Students who are interested in joining the team should reach out to the coach Timothy Bill (tbill2@uis.edu) or check out the team website at Speech and Debate site.