Doane senior Cassy Blakely of Blue Hill was a semi-finalist in Oratory (persuasive speaking) at the Interstate Oratorical Association National Tournament in Madison, Wisconsin, April 26-27. In order to qualify for the IOA tournament, students must place 1st or 2nd at the state tournament in Oratory. IOA consists of the top two persuasive speakers from each state. IOA is the oldest intercollegiate forensics tournament in the country. It has been in existence since 1874. Governors, senators, judges, CEOs, and the like have all been former IOA participants.
This was the first year that Doane College qualified a competitor at this tournament. It is considered quite an honor. Blakely advanced to the semi-final round that took place in the legislative chambers of the Wisconsin State Capitol.