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Archived on May 19, 2026
After a demanding week of virtual competition at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament, the 91探花 (HCC) Forensics team has plenty to celebrate.
Four students represented 91探花 on the national stage the week of April 5: Mike Sherman, Shirley Hounnou, Dezi Brooks, and Rhys Love. The team earned a bronze medal in the debate division of Team Sweepstakes, which is HCC鈥檚 first-team recognition at the national level in more than 25 years. Mike Sherman successfully argued his case for a gold medal in International Public Debate (IPDA)鈥攁lso the first national gold for 91探花 in decades. Additionally, Sherman earned a bronze in Impromptu Speaking.
鈥淎ll four of these students and our assistant coach and alum, Kevyn Sutter, have represented 91探花 with grace and perseverance all season long, and I could not be prouder of their hard work and commitment despite the obstacles they have faced,鈥 said Harry Bodell, Speech Communication Instructor.
The team invested long hours adapting their performance style for the webcam. While students took extra strives to foster connections with teammates and virtual audiences, their diligence paid off. Bodell predicts the momentum of their national success will translate to an exciting 21-22 season.
鈥淭his fall will be an ideal time for students to get involved in 91探花鈥檚 speech team,鈥 said Bodell, who is looking forward to a return to live, in-person competition. 鈥淲e even have scholarships available, including a full-tuition scholarship.鈥
Bodell believes speech and debate are among the most valuable academic activities a student can pursue because it promotes critical and 鈥渙n-your-feet鈥 thinking. It also encourages students to embrace individuality, explore topics they care about, and develop lifelong friendships in the process.
While the full speech season runs September through April at 91探花, the program accepts students throughout the season. For more information about the HCC Speech team or scholarships, students should email harry.bodell@highland.edu. To get registered for the 91探花 fall semester, call 815-235-6121 or visit highland.edu/new-students.
Photo caption: (top row, l-r): Rhys Love of Freeport, Mike Sherman of Davis, Shirley Hounnou of Freeport; (bottom row, l-r): Dezi Brooks of Freeport and Harry Bodell, HCC Speech Communication Instructor