ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University's Speech and Debate team recently competed at the Schnoor Swing Tournament at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Representing Northern with determination, team members Haylee Bohnet, Savannah Shrake, and Abiah George earned a series of impressive results.

Abiah George reached the semifinals in IPDA debate and was recognized as the tournament’s top debate speaker. She also secured second place in Extemporaneous Speaking and third in Persuasive Speaking. In Dramatic Interpretation, Haylee Bohnet brought home a strong fourth-place finish, while Savannah Shrake delivered a solid 2-2 record in IPDA debate, just missing the elimination rounds. Together, their achievements earned NSU a fifth-place finish in team sweepstakes, along with the top spot in combined debate and speech categories.

In a show of alumni support, the team recently received a $1,000 donation from former competitor and NSU graduate Matthew Maass, with the contribution made in partnership with his employer, Bell Bank in Fargo, North Dakota. Support from Maass, combined with contributions from Northern's Annual GiveNDay, strengthens the team’s ability to travel and compete at more regional and national tournaments.

The team is ready to keep up the momentum as they head back to Mankato soon for the Vocal Viking Tournament at Bethany Lutheran College.