The SDA Speech and Debate Team competed at Rancho Bernardo High School this weekend resulting in success for many students and a great new opportunity to improve their public speaking skills.

The students had been preparing their writing before the competition, and this time it was solely a speech competition. Junior Olivia Hussey thought that this competition would be much more stressful than it ended up being, which led to them having an overall great experience, students said.

“I love speech and debate. I have learned something from every part of every round I’ve done, and I’ve made some really incredible friends,” said Hussey.

The competitors particularly enjoyed this competition due to the range of creativity they were able to use. Freshman Madelyn Flores described her self-written piece about human connection that allowed her to step out of her comfort zone and speak what she truly felt passionate about.

“I’ve always struggled to find something I’m passionate about, but finally I found it in speech and debate. What makes this even better is I’ve looked up to the team and everyone in it for years, and I finally got to join,” said Flores.

Rokas Veitas, junior, placed fifth in international extemporaneous speaking; Hussey made it to semi-finals in original oratorical speaking; Moya Caulfield, freshman, also made it to semi-finals in expository speaking.