Nearly $3,000 in scholarship money was given out at the 4th Annual Mercer Speech Tournament, sponsored by Joann Mercer and named in honor of her late husband, Joe, and son, Steve Mercer. The tournament is open to all UNM students. The Mercer men were politicians and lawyers who believed in the power of speech and debate, and Mrs. Mercer created this scholarship to honor their commitment and memory.
The tournament winner was biology major Shayai Lucero whose touching persuasive speech addressed personal affects of DWI, related through the loss of her brother at 19-years-old because of a drunk driver. The speech emphasized the impact of DWI and the need for everyone to take a personal stance against drinking and driving. She received a $1,000 scholarship for the next academic year.
Other finalists included: 2nd place, business student Albert Guillen, $750; 3rd place, political science major Andrew Tennison, $500; finalists, Nicole Achenbach, exercise science; M. Jay Platt, Portuguese major; and Daniel Martinez, history major; all of whom received $200.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu