The Bellevue College debate team won its first national title, at a time when team members didn’t even know if they would be able to compete in the Gresham, Ore. tournament, held March 24-26.
Last second donations from faculty and staff ensured the second-year program’s ability to compete.
The team placed in the top percent of collegiate debate teams nationally. Marcus Sweetser and Karynn Pauly, a UW-Bellevue hybrid team, took home the college’s first national championship in Novice NPDA competition and earned Excellence Remarks in speaking. Erika Congdon and Cameron Griffin ranked third in Novice NPDA and earned the highest Superior Remarks in speaking. Cameron Griffin was also awarded the Pi Kappa Delta “Brightest Star Award” for exceptional community service.
As a second year program on Bellevue’s campus the team must fundraise the majority of its costs. Despite hosting numerous events including concerts, silent-auctions, and bake-sales, the debate team was unable to secure matching donations from the college’s foundation or student council.
