Local College Students Rank in National Speaking Contest

Well, they didn't WIN it...but they still did well. LSU-Shreveport students Kate Ryland and Chelsea Anthony competed in the 143rd annual Interstate Oratory Championships in Boston, Massachusetts. The IOC is the oldest persuasive speaking contest in the United States, and only the top two speakers from each state quailty. Ryland, a senior speech communication major, placed 33rd in the competition. Her presentation addressed the resurgence of diseases brought on by parents choosing not to vaccinate -- or putting off vaccinations for -- their children and called for an end to exemption laws. Anthony, a junior psychology major, placed 48th. Her presentation addressed to problem of convenience devocalization of animals and called for a ban on the practice.

In addition, the LSU-S delegation has worked to finalize a bid to host the 144th annual competition at the local university in 2013.