By: Selina Schweitzer, MaranathaHigh School junior

As Ted Kennedy once said, “themost admirable part was that we do it because its hard not because it is easy”Before Christmas Break, Maranatha High School students experienced theirfirst Speech and Debate Tournament at the Fall Varsity held at Arroyo HighSchool. Their cafeteria was filled with students in dark colored suits from allover southern California. The initial appearance of the tournament wasdeceivingly uniform. In actuality, however, the speech and debate tournamenthosted a much more eclectic environment then what the outward appearanceshowed. The tournament provided for an opportunity to share and enjoy thecreativity of others who competed in events ranging from impromptu speeches toperforming a one-person script. Participating with nine competitors, two ofwhom won trophies; Maranatha has something to be triumphant about.

Maranatha’snew speech and debate team has only been competing monthly in tournaments sinceSeptember 2009 with just three students: Jen Nicholson, Michelle Washington,and Selina Schweitzer. December’s tournament had the biggest turnout forMaranatha with a total of nine students: Avery Rhodes, Orkeee Aleman-Hale,Silva Georgian, Adam Washington, Michelle Washington, Dominick Townsend, SelinaSchweitzer, Jennifer Nicolson and Nick Popham competing in the tournament. Theleague Maranatha is competing in consists of the very top of the entire nation,with Gabrielino placing fourth this year. The Maranatha victories of AveryRhodes, who took fourth place in Improvisational Duo and Michelle Washingtonwho placed fourth in Improvisational Duo and third in General Interpretation,are to be hugely commended. Coached by Mr. Mesisca, Maranatha’s Speech andDebate team is off to a great start! Nevertheless, win lose or draw, the teammembers showed excellent strength of character and are to be praised for theirefforts in trying something this difficult. Ted Kennedy was right, that thereis something very admirable in those that do things because it is a challenge.The team looks forward to at least two more tournaments before the state andnational tournaments.

Captions: (photostaken by parent Maria Schweitzer)

016 MichelleWashington, Mr. Patrick Mesisca (MHS Speech and Debate faculty), Avery Rhodesholding their two 5^th Place Improvisational Duo trophies and, a 3^rdplace General Interpretation trophy

002 Back row: Mr. PatMesisca, Michelle Washington, Adam Washington, Nick Popham. Front row: SilvaGeorgian, Jennifer Nicolson, Selina Schweitzer, Avery Rhodes, OrquideaAleman-Halle, Dominick Townsend

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