Being a first-year student in a relatively new program can be difficult, but Alex Lawhon-Bush rose to the challenge and finished her first college forensics season with one success after another. Bush won the Kansas State Championship in Persuasive Speaking, which qualified her for competition at the 141st annual Interstate Oratorical Association National Tournament. Each state could only submit two representatives. Bush traveled to the University of Oklahoma in Norman on April 22-24 to compete in the tournament. She advanced to the semifinal round and finished 12th in the nation. Bush is the first Sterling College student to ever qualify for the tournament.

"I felt really nervous," said Bush. "I never really feel prepared going into rounds. But at the same time I was really excited to be there and be the first person to represent Sterling."

Due to its strong reputation and its panel, which consists of past national champions and CEOs, the tournament is a great opportunity for qualifying students. Next year's competition will be held at James Madison University in Virginia.