Park University Student Wins National Speech Events

April 9, 2019 — Hailey Raw, a Park University sophomore majoring in U.S. history, brought home a pair of first place awards from the Public Communication Speech and Debate League Nationals, held April 6-7 in Indianapolis.

Raw, a resident of Raytown, Mo., and graduate of Raytown South High School, won the Great Speeches category and the Table Topics category. The Great Speeches category topic was on “Speeches of the Cold War,” while the Table Topics category focused on impromptu speaking skills. In addition, Raw finished sixth in the individual sweepstakes competition.

Raw and Alexander Hyatt, a junior U.S. history major from Excelsior Springs, Mo. (attended Excelsior Springs High School), placed fourth in the Public Forum Debate category, which was on “Resolved: The United States should rejoin UNESCO as a full member.”

Lily Ramirez-Burley, sophomore social work major from Kansas City, Mo. (attended Platte County High School, Platte City, Mo.), placed second behind Raw in the Great Speeches category and fifth in the Audible Interpretation category, which focused on the vocal qualities of an interpretation performance.

Overall, Park University finished fourth in the team sweepstakes. The PCSDL focuses on communication that would be appropriate in everyday life.