Four years ago, junior Kelly Bender began studying a topic she’s extremely passionate about – AIDS research.
Whenever the topic came up, whether it was in science classes or in books, she said she would write down notes, becoming engulfed in the information.
“This summer, I read more stuff on it, and compiled this huge list of information,” Bender said.
Bender’s extensive research was not in vain. She decided to compile it for the UW-Eau Claire Forensics team.
| “The first time she took (the speech) out, I knew she was going to win nationals.” –Amanda Dolan Junior, on Bender |
After nine months of preparation in numerous tournaments, Bender walked away from the April 15 to 19 National Forensics Association tournament in Malcomb, Ill., as a national champion in persuasive speaking.
“(Winning nationals) takes a little while to sink in,” Bender said. “I don’t think you necessarily realize it, but it’s very cool.”
For the second year in a row, Eau Claire produced a NFA persuasive speaking champion. Last year’s champion was 2003 graduate Ben Schneider.
In addition to her championship, Bender also placed sixth in the nation for informative speaking and 15th in the pentathlon.
Junior forensics team member Chris Conklin said Bender has a passion for forensics, which is evident by her extensive research on her topic.
“She’s really dedicated to the team,” Conklin said.
Bender’s speech, titled “The Race for a Cure: Rethinking the Course of AIDS Research,” dealt with the issue of the HIV equals AIDS myth, Bender said.
She first performed her speech Oct. 5 and 6 at the Mid-American Forensics League Opening Swing Tournament in Dekalb, Ill. After taking first place both days, junior teammate Amanda Dolan said she knew the speech would take Bender far.
“The first time she took (the speech) out, I knew she was going to win nationals,” Dolan said. “I don’t know if she expected it, but I knew she’d win it.”
Throughout a forensics season, which starts in late September or early October and ends in late April, the team travels to two dozen meets, which include locations such as Illinois, Minnesota and California.
Since 2000, the team has finished in the top 10 at nationals and is one of the six teams nationwide that has attended every nationals competition since its inception.
As a junior, Bender said she looks forward to next year, and aims at possibly repeating. While she said she’s not sure if she will or not, Dolan said Bender will be a force next season.
“I think she’s made a name for herself,” Dolan said. “People expect something from her.”
