Speech & Debate Team Competition Results

After two years of virtual competition, the RHS Speech & Debate Team competed at our first in-person OSAA Speech & Debate competition, which was the District 12 Mt. Hood Competition at Sandy High School on Friday and Saturday. Between the two days, we took our largest group and our most successful yet with 21 students making 32 entries, nearly meeting Barlow High School's number of total entries. Many of our entries were successful, leading us to earn the 3rd Place Sweepstakes award and finally our own trophy to add to the shelf!

I am proud to report we have three student qualifiers to the OSAA State Championship April 21-23:

• Sophomore Dina Ibrahim won 1st Place in Literary Interpretation for English Language Learners (LIELL);
• Senior Hayden Grindle won 2nd Place in Extemporaneous speaking; and
• Senior Jeff Cervantes won 2nd Place in Impromptu speaking.

We also have four student alternates to state who are next in line to compete:

• Senior Destiny Tran won 3rd Place in Original Oratory (a.k.a. Persuasive speaking);
• Freshman Edmond Miranda won 3rd Place in Informative speaking; and
• Senior Thien Jacobo and Sophomore Dina Ibrahim won 3rd Place in Policy Debate.

Please give a huge congratulations to each of these students when you see them today!

Thank you so incredibly much to all the RHS teachers who gave up time after work Friday and all day Saturday for our team by judging: Carol Allen, AJ Harding, Edward Hernandez-Corchado, Nina Khanjan, Tiffany Lasister, Tommy Murphy, Cynthia Pizzuti, Jeme Sutton, Clair Thiel, and Jason Willmon. Barb Lim, who now teaches at Sandy High School (and misses the RHS staff!), was gracious enough to judge for us, as well.

Also, a quick shout-out to all who judged the debate for our Showcase Night two weeks ago: Brian Jay, Tiffany Lasister, Tommy Murphy, Erich Schneider, Jeme Sutton, Clair Thiel, and Eric Wergeland. Thank you for helping make our fundraiser a success.

Thank you to all administrators who helped us secure transportation both days. Many of our students do not get to travel and see other high schools, and this experience has been life-changing for them. Being able to have these experiences opens their world. Much appreciation for continuing to support us.

See some of the pictures of our successes attached and our full list of awards on our website: https://sites.google.com/view/rhsspeechdebateteam.

Have a strong week and a restful Spring Break,

Valerie Schiller

Coach, Speech & Debate Team