Toggle Menu
News >

Frazier ’26 Wins Debate Championship, Bourbeau ’27 Takes Second Place in Varsity Dramatic Interpretation

November 13, 2025

By Jessica Firpi ’11

The Rollins Forensics Team continues its standout debut season at the Sunshine Series Part 2 Tournament, with Aidan Frazier ’26 and Gisele Bourbeau ’27 earning top honors in debate and interpretation events.

The Rollins Forensics Team continues its remarkable debut season with several wins at the Sunshine Series Part 2 Tournament, held November 7–8, 2025. Facing a field of 28 colleges and universities from across the country, Rollins students earned top honors in both debate and individual events.

  • Aidan Frazier ’26 earned Rollins’ first intercollegiate debate title, securing the Junior Varsity Championship with a 7–1 record and unanimous 3-0 decisions in semifinal and final rounds. “Aidan’s professionalism and strategic clarity impressed every judge,” says communication professor and head coach David Painter. “His championship performance highlights the academic rigor and composure that define our students.”
  • Gisele Bourbeau ’27 advanced to finals, winning second place in Varsity Dramatic Interpretation with a monologue exploring themes of aging, identity, and resilience. “Gisele’s performance was both artistically mature and emotionally affecting,” shares Painter. “Earning second place in Varsity Interpretation at her first college tournament speaks volumes about her talent and discipline.”
  • Anthony Figlozzi ’28, Ella Hutsell ’29, and Pristine Sitaula ’28 won multiple debate rounds with strong speaker scores, establishing the basis for continued success.

“Our first semester established our foundation,” says Painter. “The next will define our trajectory as we will compete at the State Championship Tournament in February, and potentially nationals in March 2026.”

Any Rollins students, faculty, or staff interested in joining or learning more about the team are encouraged to contact David Painter at dpainter@rollins.edu.


Related News

November 13, 2025

Orlando Business Journal Reports on Innovation Triangle Groundbreaking

The Orland Business Journal featured an article about the groundbreaking for the new museum and leadership institute as part of the Rollins College Innovation Triangle with the Alfond Inn.

Orlando Business Journal Reports on Innovation Triangle Groundbreaking

November 13, 2025

Rollins Forensics Team Excels at Queens College Forensics Tournament

The Rollins Forensics Team competed at the Queens College Alumni Forensics Tournament in New York City, earning top placements across events and marking a standout achievement for the College’s new program.

Rollins Forensics Team Excels at Queens College Forensics Tournament

November 12, 2025

The Past is Present

As a leader in the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Tina Osceola ’89 has worked to honor her ancestors and protect her tribe’s sovereignty for more than 20 years.

The Past is Present