LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Mills University Studies Speech and Debate Team completed their state competition season at the Arkansas State Speech and Debate Tournament, which was held at Little Rock Central High School on April 12th and 13th.
Five students qualified and competed against the top schools in the state, public and private, 1A to 7A, and had one of the best showings in the team's history:
4th place Novice IPDA Debate Speaker - Melvin Henderson
Impromptu Speaking Semifinalist - Chance Bradford
6th place Duet Improvisation - Jimiah Cooper and Jon Brady Hicks
5th place Varsity Public Forum Debate Speaker - Jon Brady Hicks
State Champion Varsity Public Forum Debate Speaker - Eddie Watkins
State Champion Varsity Public Forum Debate Team - Eddie Watkins and Jon Brady Hicks
Eddie Watkins was chosen as the 2024 Jennifer Akers Memorial Scholarship recipient, and he will receive $500 towards his college studies. Willow Toney also attended as team assistant.
The team is coached by Patrick Laxson & Dakota Thompson. There will be an interest meeting for the 2024-2025 team on Monday, May 13th at Mills University Studies High School, Room 200, time to be announced.
PHOTO CAPTION (from left): Melvin Henderson, Jimiah Cooper, Willow Toney, Jon Brady Hicks, Chance Bradford, Eddie Watkins