FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 23, 2011)
The Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus and Northeast Campus Forensics Teams took top honors at the 2011 Texas Community College Forensics Association Tournament Feb. 11-13.
Jeff Hebert became Trinity River Campus’ first student to capture an individual state championship by winning first place in the Extemporaneous Speaking contest. He also placed third in Parliamentary Debate alongside partner Kristin Taylor. Damon Latham, another Trinity River Forensics Team member, landed a fourth place finish in Dramatic Interpretation, as well as a sixth place ranking in Duo Interpretation with his competition partner Adonnys Wright.
“For a forensics program to produce successful student speakers is fantastic, but for a first-year program…to produce a state champion and place in multiple events, is phenomenal,” said TCC Trinity River Campus Director of Forensics Phillip Morgan. “It speaks highly of the dedication and preparation of our students here at Trinity River.”
The Northeast Campus Team earned high marks as a team and individually. Students Sean Gilliland and Brandon Wimmer took second place in Parliamentary Debate. In the overall Debate Sweepstakes, the Northeast Team earned third place, and winning another state championship, Wimmer placed first in the individual Impromptu Speaking contest.
“Our Northeast students do well in competition every year, and this year it was great to have two TCC state champions,” said Northeast Campus Chair of Communication Arts Lisa Benedetti. “Brandon did a fantastic impromptu speech to win state in his competition.”
Also in Impromptu Speaking, Gilliland placed fifth, and Rafael Gonzalez placed seventh. Gilliland also placed fourth in the Extemporaneous Speaking category. In Prose Interpretation, Elizabeth Price and Courtney Stewart finished third and seventh respectively.
The event, hosted by TCC Northeast Campus in Hurst, featured nine Texas community colleges.
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