Plymouth State University was well-represented by the Debate Team at this year’s National Forensic Association’s (NFA) Northeast Regional Championship Tournament, held at Suffolk University in Boston. The tournament took place over the weekend of Feb. 17.
Students from a handful of New England and northeastern colleges and universities were in attendance, including those from Lafayette College in Pa., Emerson College in Mass., Ithaca College in N.Y., and Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate topic was: The United States Federal Government should substantially change its trade practices and/or policies with the People’s Republic of China.
Colby Jackson from Emerson College came in first place overall, but PSU’s Russell Mancini was not far behind, coming in third after making it to the semi finals.
Mancini was also recognized as the top speaker. PSU’s Michael DiTommaso was awarded third-best speaker, and PSU’s Jennie Fogg placed fifth overall.
PSU’s Mancini, Fogg, and Alex Cabeceiras all broke for a spot in the NFA nationals, to be held in Ohio.
“Northeast regionals went extremely well for Plymouth State as a whole,” said Mancini. “I’m very happy with our performance, and getting the top speaker award as a freshman felt great. I’m hoping nationals goes well for PSU.”
Overall, PSU was the top scoring school at the Northeast Regional Championship Tournament this year.
Reporting by Russell Mancini