Gordon Hosts Home School Students for National Speech and Debate Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Office of College Communications
978.867.4752
[email protected]

WENHAM, MA—While Gordon students are away on spring break, several hundred home school students and their families will arrive on Gordon’s campus for a national speech and debate tournament.  

The tournament, run by the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association, will take place on campus March 10–13. Students ages 12–18 will come from across the country to compete in ten speech events and two types of debate. The competition helps Christian teens develop analytical and oratorical skills around contemporary issues and subjects.

Gordon communication arts senior Ruth Clarkin is a past competitor whose experience motivated her to volunteer in the planning and coordination of this year’s event. At age 13, Clarkin competed in New England’s first competition and for the next five years as well. In 2004, she also competed in a national tournament.

“I learned so much during those tournaments,” said Clarkin. “Now, I’m excited to help with this event so that other students can enjoy the benefits of competitive speech and debate.”

The tournament staff—which will also oversee over several hundred volunteer judges—hopes to involve Gordon students, faculty and staff as well as members of the community to serve as judges. Judges are invited to check in at the Ken Olsen Science Center.

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