Recently, the Barking Bulldogs Debate Team traveled to Tacoma, WA, to participate in the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Championship Tournament. Primavera Leal Martinez and Hunter Sansom (our top team) attended the tournament.

"Even though we didn’t have much competitive success at this tournament due to the flu that is going around, both Primavera and Hunter received very prestigious awards," said Tom Boroujeni, director of debate. "CEDA’s National Championship is one of the largest tournaments in Policy Debate. Almost every debate team in the nation participates in this event and at the end of this tournament, the community as whole offers yearly awards in multiple categories."

All-American Debater Award

One of the most prestigious awards in debate is the All-American Debater Award. This award is given yearly to a student who demonstrates competitive success, academic success, good conduct, and contributes to the debate community. This year, Primavera Leal Martinez received the All-American debater award.

National Debate Scholar Award

Another important award is the National Debate Scholar Award, honoring students who maintain strong academic records in addition to their competitive accomplishments during the year. There are four subcategories in the National Debate Scholar Award. Both Primavera Leal Martinez and Hunter Sansom received the “Summa Cum Laude” award which is the highest subcategory of the National Debate Scholar. Primavera and Hunter maintain a 4.0 GPA while they spend more than nine hours a week researching, practicing, and preparing for debate tournaments.

You may see them being recognized here: https://youtu.be/MbMgAxID_Vk

ASI Election

Primavera, who is an English major, was re-elected into Associate Student Inc. (ASI) as the vice president of External Affairs. Hunter, a communication major, was elected into ASI as the Senator for the School of Arts and Humanities. Jordan Cody, who is also a Barking Bulldogs debater and a communication major, was elected as a Senator at Large. Our debaters utilize their skills to advocate for other students and important issues in their communities.

"I would like to congratulate Primavera, Hunter, Cody, and all the members of the Barking Bulldogs Debate Team for their achievements during this year," said Boroujeni. "They make us all proud."

See more on the College of Arts and Humanities blog: https://fresnostatecah.com/2018/03/16/16885/