Back row left to right: Dr. Dave Schneider, Cody Power, Linda Sims, Dr. Robert Drew; Middle row left to right: Dr. Amy Pierce, Lauren Potvin, Emily Drzewicki, Dr. Ryan Rigda; Front row left to right – Lexy Andres, Allie Sommer, Regan Healy. Courtesy Photo | SVSU Competitive Speech Team
Six SVSU students showcased their persuasive speaking skills in the final round of the 37th annual Sims Public Speaking Competition on Friday, Nov. 6. Emily Drzewicki of Bay City, MI claimed the top spot, beating out 29 other competitors, with her speech, “Online Doxxing and Technology – Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.” Cody Power of Chesterfield and Allie Sommer of Millington rounded out the top three.
Drzewicki, who is a third-year Communication and Sociology double major, competed in the competition for the third year in a row. She placed 3rd in 2024 and 2nd in 2025. After the win, Drzewicki stated, “This year’s first-place recognition feels especially meaningful. This competition has given me a space to grow as a speaker, to learn from other students, and to engage with issues I believe in.” Notably, she earned perfect scores from the judges throughout the entire competition.
Power, a third-year Political Science student, advocated for more regulations on bio-computing. He was also a finalist in 2025. Sommer, a first-year pre-nursing student, shared her speech on the non-existent speedy trial right. Drzewicki, Power, and Sommer are all members of the SVSU Competitive Speech (Forensics) Team.
The remaining finalists included:
Lauren Potvin, a fourth-year Political Science major from Bay City.
Lexy Andres, a second-year Environmental Science major from New Lothrop.
Regan Healy, a third-year Education student from North Branch.
The Sims Public Speaking Competition is hosted by the Department of Communication and is made possible through the contributions of Larry and Linda Sims. The Department of Communication would like to thank the SVSU alumni and staff who served as judges during the preliminary rounds. Additionally, thank you to the following individuals for serving as final round judges:
Dr. Lisa Krissoff Boehm, SVSU Provost & Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Brandon Haskett, Dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Science
Dr. Eric Buschlen, SVSU Alumni and Faculty Member at Central Michigan University
Jennifer Bristol, SVSU Alumni and Teacher at Frankenmuth School District
Amy Urbanowski-Nowak, SVSU Alumni and Teacher at Birch Run Area Schools
The Sims Public Speaking Contest will return for the 38th time in November 2027.
Dr. Ryan Rigda and Dr. Amy Pierce
Department of Communication
rsrigda@svsu.edu or ajpierce@svsu.edu