Representing Palomar College in Speech and Debate at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament are, from left Alexandra Rothman, Mara Whearty, Dewi Hokett, Andrea Sanchez, Brinn Tomlinson, Genevieve Mason, Emily Martinez, Chris Lowry, Nate Rogers, Apolonio Rosas, Alexander James, Julian Tuzzeo, and Brandan Whearty. (photo by Marquesa Cook-Whearty)

SAN MARCOS, CA (May 11, 2016) — The Palomar College Speech and Debate Team struck gold at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament held at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa April 5 – 9. Named as the top debate team in the country in the Wheeler Division, Palomar’s team took first place honors in both individual and team events.

The Palomar team won three major awards in the Wheeler Division out of 66 schools competing — Gold in Debate Sweepstakes, Silver in Overall School Sweepstakes for the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament, and Bronze in Individual Events Sweepstakes. The Wheeler Division is the medium-sized school category and the largest of the categories at Phi Rho Pi.  In the final Wheeler Division rankings, Palomar College placed first in Debate, sixth in Individual Events, and fourth Overall.

Students competing on behalf of Palomar College were Emily Martinez, Genevieve Mason, Nate Rogers, Appolonio Rosas, Alexandra Rothman, Andrea Sanchez, Brinn Tomlinson and Julian Tuzzeo.

Nate Rogers won the prestigious Bell/Scroggins Speaker Award as the Top Speaker out of 123 in the International Public Debate event. Julian Tuzzeo ranked second out of 164 speakers (82 teams) in Parliamentary Debate.

Nate Rogers and Andrea Sanchez won Silver medals in International Public Debate. Two teams took silver in Parliamentary Debate – Nate Rogers/Andrea Sanchez; and Appolonio Rosas/Julian Tuzzeo. Alexandra Rothman took a Bronze in Prose Interpretation and Genevieve Mason took a Bronze in International Public Debate.

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Media Contacts:

Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 ext. 2365
Laura Gropen, Director, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2152