The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

May 7, 2009

Mercer Memorial Tournament Winners Announced

Judith Hendry, lecturer, University Communication & Journalism, announces the winners of the 2009 Joe and Steve Mercer Memorial Tournament, held recently.

The tournament, began in 2005 from an endowment established by JoAnn Mercer in 2003, was established to provide support for students interested and excelling in public speaking and debate. The top six speakers receive scholarships.

This year’s winners, department, prize money and topic are:
1st Place: Alyssa Rivera, Economics, $1,000, Domestic Abuse
2nd Place: Bryan Wilcox, Communication/Political Science, $750, Smaller Class Size is Better Schools
3rd Place: Andrew Melodia, Chemical Engineering, $500, Wal-Mart – environmental and social issues with this giant retailer

Finalists:
    Hannah Covert, Psychology, Problems with “No Child Left Behind”
    Suzanne Fortner, Broadcast Journalism/Pre-Law, Eat Right and Exercise – Stay Healthy
    Sapphira Vidaurri, Spanish, Pedestrian Safety

Each finalist received $100.

Speakers prepare and present an 8 to 10 minute persuasive speech on any topic of current relevance to local or New Mexico audiences. The speech should be an original work of the student designed to shape, reinforce, or change attitudes, beliefs, values, and/or behavior on the part of the audience. The speech should present a significant problem with a realistic solution. Multiple sources should be used.

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