Kerri Simons won first place at the Interstate Oratory Association National Tournament (IOA), which took place last Friday and Saturday.

Simons, a junior Spanish language and literature major, gave a persuasive speech on inflammatory breast cancer.

Simons said finding information on her topic was a challenge since information is limited on that type of cancer on the Internet.

“I was motivated to look for the information to get people informed about it,” she said.

Kerith Woodyard, director of forensics and assistant professor of the department of communication, said contestants represented countries from around the world, as well as from each state.

Simons and another student from Bradley University represented Illinois.

Simons said she could not believe she made it to the final round.

“It was really a honor to perform with the six best people in the nation,” she said.

The IOA Tournament held three primary rounds, and in each round there were three judges, Woodyard said. The judges then ranked the competitor, and the speaker with the highest score moved to the semi-finals, then to the final round.

Woodyard said Simons won first place in the category of persuasive speaking in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament in March, which qualified her for the IOA tournament.

“Kerri worked very hard and always stayed focused on the importance of her message,” said Judy Santacaterina, Simons’ coach and an adviser for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We are extremely proud of her.”

Woodyard said Simons’ attitude and presentation were focused on informing.

“Her performance wasn’t focused on winning, but to help people become aware of inflammatory breast cancer,” Woodyard said. “She is someone who wants to give back and make a change.”