Brookings native earns All-American status at national forensics competition

Courtney Hanson part of Hastings College team that placed ninth in the nation

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HASTINGS, Neb. – For the third year in a row, the Hastings College Forensics team finished in the top 10 in the nation at the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST), held virtually in early April. The team placed ninth this year as well as in 2019, and finished eighth in 2018; there was no national tournament in 2020. This is the first time the team has placed in the top 10 three years in a row. 

Two members of the team, Courtney Hanson, a senior from Brookings, and Samantha Burke, a senior from Denver, were recognized as All-Americans. 

This gives Hastings College a total of 19 All-Americans through its rich history, the most of any college or university in the country. Each year, only 15 students from across the country are named All-Americans. The award is given to students who exemplify academic excellence, community service and competitive success. 

The team set another school record by breaking two Duo Interpretations to out-rounds for the first time ever. Senior Isaabella Robbins from Worland, Wyoming, and junior Brendan Kachnowski from Rock Springs, Wyoming, broke their Duo to semi-finals and senior Hanson and sophomore Nikki DeSeriere from Westminster, Colorado, broke their Duo to quarter-finals. 

During the national tournament, the team saw several students break into out rounds. They include:

• Nikki DeSeriere, a sophomore from Westminster, Colorado, broke into quarter-finals with Duo Interpretation with senior Courtney Hanson and into semifinals with Prose Interpretation.

• Kiante Stuart, a sophomore from Nassau, The Bahamas, broke into quarter-finals with Persuasive Speaking.

• Brendan Kachnowski, a junior from Rock Springs, Wyoming, broke into semifinals with Duo Interpretation with senior Isaabella Robbins.

• Courtney Hanson, a senior from Brookings broke into quarter-finals with After Dinner Speaking and Duo Interpretation with sophomore Nikki DeSeriere, and semifinals with Prose Interpretation.

• Isaabella Robbins, a senior from Worland, Wyoming, broke into semifinals with Program Oral Interpretation and Duo Interpretation with junior Brendan Kachnowski.

The team brought a total of 41 events to the AFA-NST.