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Winners Chosen in Speak Up Contest
(Posted: November 6, 2009) (Printable Version)
Nine students were recognized in the second Speak Up intramural speech contest held at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
Courtney Sullivan of Lavaca took first place. Benjamin J. Evans of Fort Smith won second. Tied for third were Amanda Harris of Elkins and Kevin Elliott of Mulberry. Honorable mentions went to Claudia Rucchio, Barling; Justin Twilla, Booneville; Erica Davis and Destiny Wilhite, both of Fort Smith; and Michelle Strunk, Lavaca.
Their topic was “What recommendations can we make to the FCC to help reduce the dissemination of biased and inaccurate information via social networks, radio, and/or TV?” Top winners received scholarship awards ranging from $150 to $50, with all honorees receiving award certificates.
Tom Walton of Fort Smith, assistant professor of speech communication, said one of the purposes for the event is to promote a new speech communication minor at UA Fort Smith, which just began this fall. He had high praise for the students who participated.
“The competition was high quality and well balanced,” said Walton. “Scores were tightly bunched for the most part.”
Judges were Russell Jones, Garrett Lewis and Kate Luck from KFSM-TV.
The contest was sponsored by the Speech Communication Department and the American Democracy Project, a national initiative designed to foster responsible citizenship at all levels. The speech topic was tied to the American Democracy Project’s 2009-2010 theme, “Freedom of the Press.”
| Article by: Sondra LaMar, Director of Public Relations | |
| Photo(s) by: Kat Wilson, Photographer, Marketing and Communications Office |
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