Edmonds Speech & Debate

The EHRC Speech and Debate team started the year at the Kamiak Novice Tournament in October.  Although Kaede J. was the only new team member to compete, Michelle H. and Kelsey F. had their first taste of judging.  The rest of the team got their start at Gig Harbor's season opener.  Ali A. won the team's first award of the year -- a Superior Award in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking. 

The season ended with several huge wins!  Erika and Elliot qualified in Duo Interp for the Las Vegas Nationals.  Henry and Alex were their alternates.  At the State Championships, Henry and Alex were recognized as the Washington State 3A Duo Champs while Erika and Elliot took home the 3^rd place ribbon!  Other competitors at State this year were Ali - the District One Extemp Champ and Jakob & Dan – 2^nd place in Duo at the District One Finals.  Erika also competed at State in Oratory.  Elliot and Michelle both qualified for State in Dramatic Interpretation but chose not to compete in that event.  

This year, 18 students competed at 14 tournaments in Gig Harbor, Snohomish, Renton, Auburn, Mukilteo, Mt. Vernon, Shoreline, and in Tacoma at the University of Puget Sound.  Overall, the team received awards at 13 of those tournaments -- totaling 29 speech awards and seven debate awards.  These awards went to Ali A, Henry A, David C, Michelle H, Marian L, Elliot S, Erika S, Jakob S, Alex S, Christian S, and Dan T.  Other competitors not previously mentioned were Kate B, Colleen B, Jordan L, and Josh W. 

We held our second annual Spring Speech Showcase for an audience of about 50 people.  This year, the Walnut Street Coffee House hosted the Showcase as part of the Edmonds Art Walk.  The audience was treated to Henry’s preview of “I am Invincible”, Michelle’s “Totally Sheltered”, Ali’s speech on debt forgiveness, an impromptu speech by Michelle, Elliot’s “The Shepherd of Chi-Town”, “Skippyjon Jones” by Marian, “The Nerd” by Jakob and Dan and “The Birthday Wish” by Erika and Elliot.   

Other notable events this year were…our Winter Break outing to see The Great Debaters starring Denzel Washington….Ali receiving the District One Debate Camp Scholarship.  He used his scholarship to attend the Mean Green Workshops in Texas….our end of the year Awards Party.  It rained and we moved it to another park with a covered picnic area.  Once we arrived home, the sun came out.

In June, coaches Susan and Dawna traveled with Elliot, Erika, Michelle, and Dan to Las Vegas.  What an amazing week!  The competition in Duo was top notch, the excursions to see Blue Man Group, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon were thrilling, and the karaoke at registration unforgettable! 

We look forward to a strong 08-09 season!