March 13, 2025

SVSU students talk their way to 3rd place in speech competition

In their first year of collegiate competitive speech, six Saginaw Valley State University students have proven themselves up to the challenge, earning a third-place finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League Novice State Championship Tournament. Seven colleges competed at the event, which took place at Northwood University on Saturday, Feb. 15.
In a typical competitive speech tournament, participants deliver speeches of seven to 10 minutes in 11 events that span three genres: public address, limited preparation and interpretation.

The students who represented SVSU in the tournament, which was open only to students in their first year of collegiate competition, are:
•    Emily Drzewicki, a communication major from Bay City, placed second in persuasive speaking and second in rhetorical criticism. 
•    Cody Power, a criminal justice major from New Baltimore, placed first in after dinner speaking.
•    Hannah Schalk, an elementary education major from Reese, placed seventh in prose interpretation. 
•    McKenzie Shagena, an elementary education major from Port Huron, placed second in extemporaneous speaking and third in impromptu speaking.
•    Kyle Smith, an English education major from Stevensville, placed sixth in dramatic interpretation.
•    Nicole Yapp, an elementary education major from Wixom, placed sixth in informative speaking.

“This group of SVSU students is dedicated, hardworking and committed to the success of the team,” said SVSU lecturer of communication Ryan Rigda, who coaches the team alongside Amy Pierce, associate professor of communication. “Students like these are the reason I dedicate my time to this activity and I am excited to see what the rest of the season brings.”