On Saturday, February 4, Fossil Ridge’s Forensics team competed in the National Qualifier for Congressional Debate. Lauren Fessler, senior captain of Speech and Debate, placed as fourth alternate in the Senate. Ciera Dykstra and Holly Ryan are second and third alternate in the Senate and the House, respectively. In its history, Fossil has only sent three students to Nationals, so this first qualifier of three bodes well for the rest of the team’s season.
Speech and debate tournaments generally include a variety of events, such as Public Forum debate, policy debate and legislation, interpretation of literature and poetry, and extemporaneous presentations of current social issues. Dykstra explained that this qualifier was specifically directed at Congressional Debate, in which a mock Senate and House of Representatives are given a bill to debate and vote upon. She said, “students get a limited amount of time to research and prepare for the bill, which is debated until everyone is out of speeches and responses.” There are two rounds, each with about ten bills. An example bill, found on the National Speech and Debate Association website, is “This House supports a two-state solution in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
This year’s speech and debate team has been performing strongly throughout the season, particularly thanks to their strong Public Forum team, original orator, and national and international extemporaneous speakers. Dykstra’s personal favorite event is National Extemporaneous Speaking, where the student has 30 minutes to write and memorize a seven minute speech with factual information and creative viewpoints. She has placed seventh in two tournaments in this event.
Fossil’s forensics team is very grateful to their coach, Mr. Campbell. Described as, “an extremely dedicated coach who is helping us to grow our skills and grow as a club”, Campbell took over the team last year and has helped steer the club in a new direction. Members are hopeful that the club will continue to expand and do well in coming years. As Campbell put it, “We’ve been bringing home hardware at every tournament we compete in.” If this season is any indication, Fossil’s forensics team is one to be on the watch for. Congratulations to the Sabercats on their performance last Saturday, and good luck at their next qualifier on February 18.
Jordan Hughes • Feb 13, 2017 at 9:45 am
Very well-written article. Lots of detail and different perspectives from lots of different people involved. It’s refreshing to see an article shedding light on clubs that aren’t in the spotlight very often.
Rena Machani • Feb 7, 2017 at 8:21 am
This article is very descriptive and provides information about the winnings and the background behind the competitors.
Citlalli Garcia • Feb 7, 2017 at 8:20 am
The article is very descriptive and gives enough information on the Forensics group, although some people don’t exactly know the things that they competed in. Next time, have the students in the team explain some of the activities they do.
Karli • Feb 7, 2017 at 8:06 am
Is forensics still offered at the school as a class?
Mason Fowler • Feb 7, 2017 at 8:05 am
It was cool to read about forensics and how they went to their first qualifier.
Aspen Jones • Feb 7, 2017 at 7:59 am
The article is great and has lots of information about the forensics team competing in the National Qualifier for Congressional Debate. The picture isnt the best but I like how everyone in the picture is having fun and smiling.