BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2026 – Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team earned high honors at the National Christian College Forensics Association (NCCFA) national tournament held at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash.
The national tournament attracted universities from across the nation, all member schools of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. HPU was the only Texas team that competed at the tournament. HPU’s team of six students competed in both speech and debate events. HPU won first place overall debate sweepstakes, and second place overall individual event sweepstakes in Division II (schools with smaller entries).
Dr. Julie Welker, coach of the speech and debate team, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication, said that both the individual and team awards speak to the dedication and professionalism of this year’s team.
“Winning these awards at a national championship reflects the culmination of all the time our team has put into speech and debate this year. These students dedicate both in-and out-of-class time to perfect their skills,” said Welker.
Solomon Sabo, a junior Guy D. New Honors Academy, public policy and Christian studies major from Melissa, was the most decorated winner for HPU. As a first-year competitor, Sabo was the novice national champion in the speech events of homiletics (a speaking event where students deliver an original speech that is designed either as a sermon or a devotional) and extemporaneous speaking. He was also a semi-finalist in both impromptu speaking and junior varsity IPDA debate.
“Solomon brings extensive high school forensics experience to our team, and he really capitalized on that at nationals. His strong work ethic is evident in his placings,” Welker said.
Additionally, Sabo was named the second place overall individual speaker at the tournament, and second place junior varsity debate speaker. He said that joining the HPU debate team in his freshman year has been an incredible joy.
“I’ve found a sense of community, I’ve seen HPU’s core values prioritized, and I’ve found lifelong friends. I’ve had more than enough growth in one year, and I look forward to next year,” said Sabo.
Freshman Adriaan Lafferty also competed very well, advancing to semi-finals rounds in extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking and in junior varsity IPDA debate. Lafferty was the 4th place junior varsity debate speaker.
Welker said that Lafferty has been a great presence on the team.
“Adriaan joined the team in January, but with his extensive speech and debate high school experience, he stepped in and started winning quickly. He has brought a fresh level of debate expertise to our team, and I’m thrilled he did so well at nationals,” said Welker.
Junior Rylie Burden, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and social science jurisprudence major from Lubbock, advanced to octofinals in varsity IPDA debate, and was the third-place varsity debate speaker.
“Rylie remains a consistent leader and top debater on our team. She hit some of the hardest competitors in prelims, leading to a very tough elimination bracket. I’m so proud of the leadership she provides to our younger members and her commitment to the program,” Welker said.
Other students who competed at the tournament and earned team points were Adrielle Sloan, senior team captain and strategic communication major from Blue Oak, freshmen Chloe Jones, biomedical science major from San Antonio, and Jailyn Chavez, criminal justice major from Austin.
Sloan said that leading the team this year has been one of the greatest pleasures of her college career.
“Each member of SSB came into the season willing to work and improve their skills. I am incredibly proud of our success at competition and the close bond we have formed. I am grateful for how the Student Speaker Bureau has enriched the college experience of not only myself but each individual student who participates,” said Sloan.
Welker added that Sloan’s leadership has been essential in developing the team.
“It takes a team to be successful at these tournaments, and I am so proud of the way these students competed, presented themselves and how well they represented HPU. Everyone had a part in bringing home these awards—we work as a team, practice as a team, and win as a team,” said Welker.
HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau relies on donations to fund their program. To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give and select “Other” below the “Designation” heading. A space will then be provided to type “Student Speaker Bureau,” and the donation form can then be completed accordingly.
High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at jwelker@hputx.edu. All members of the team must audition and receive a scholarship based on their previous speech and debate accomplishments.
Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2026 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or enroll@hputx.edu or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.
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Cutline: HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team is pictured left to right: Katie Richards, Adrielle Sloan, Solomon Sabo, Jailyn Chavez, Adriann Lafferty, Chloe Jones, Rylie Burden and Dr. Julie Welker.