Members

Cowley Debate/Forensics squadcompetes at national tournamentSix members of Cowley's Debate/Forensics team competed in the Phi Rho Pi National TournamentApril 6-11 in Atlanta, Ga.Damon Young, Trent Pappan, Trisha Jolley, Amber Kelley, and Heather Bollinger, all of ArkansasCity, and Ryan Kane of Wellington, represented Cowley at the tournament, which was exclusively forcommunity college students.The trip to nationals was the culmination of a successful debate season for the students. TracyFrederick, instructor, said her squad showed steady improvement throughout the year.And the program received notoriety recently when Young was named a National Educational DebateAssociation Ail-American. He is one of only five students nationwide to receive the award."It's a catalyst from my two years of debate," Young said. "It means a great deal because I'd neverdone the activity two years ago, and now I'm considered one of the best in the country."The Ail-American awards usually go to college juniors and seniors.The award stands for the debater that represents the NEDA traditions of fairness, respect for colleaguesand coaches, respect for the principles of fair play in debate and in everyday life."Damon is very deserving of this award," Frederick said. "He has proven himself to not only be anoutstanding debater, but to stand up for principles that are becoming somewhat endangered in this activity-"group.Young said that while he is proud to receive the award, it also illustrates the success of the entire"This definitely looks good for Mrs. Frederick," Young said. "This isonly our second year in NEDA.Last year she won the Newcomer of the Year Award, and to have her students recognized reflects positivelyon the program."Representing Cowley at nationals were, from left, Trent Pappan, Heather Bollinger, Trisha Jolley, DamonYoung, Ryan Kane, and Amber Kelley.