ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Northern State University Speech and Debate team returned from Springfield, Mo., with a strong showing at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament, competing against 438 students representing 59 schools and more than 1,900 total entries. Seven NSU students competed with 13 total entries, earning multiple individual and team awards across the field.

Abiah George earned excellence awards — recognizing the top 20% of competitors — in extemporaneous speaking and student scholarship, and a superior award — top 10% — in interviewing. She also finished 10th among Open IPDA debate speakers and earned an excellence award in IPDA.

Haylee Bohnet earned an excellence award in Dramatic Interpretation.

Hannah Smith and Liv Ashley finished as national runners-up in Junior Varsity Public Forum debate. Smith was also named the top JV Public Forum debate speaker, while Ashley finished eighth among Open Public Forum debate speakers.

Elana Bishop and Lauren Carpenter finished as national runners-up in Novice Public Forum debate.

Jericho Jones reached the quarterfinals in Novice IPDA debate.

Bohnet and George were also selected to perform in the PKD Showcase, an invitation reserved for some of the tournament's top performances — Bohnet in Dramatic Interpretation and George in Extemporaneous Speaking.

"What makes me most proud of this team is their commitment to each other and their desire to drive each other to greater success," said Dr. Justin Foote, assistant professor of communication studies and director of forensics at Northern State University.

The team made the trip under the leadership of Dr. Kelsie Roberts, assistant professor of sport marketing and administration, who stepped in when Dr. Foote was unable to attend.

"Dr. Kelsie Roberts truly embodied what makes Northern State University a special community," Foote said. "When I couldn't attend, she accepted the challenge of jumping into an event she had no experience in and joining a group of students she did not know well. It is clear from the results, and the joy from the students, that Dr. Roberts is truly a remarkable asset to our campus community."