Speech team heads to Nationals in Utah

Student orators who will represent the islands in the annual National Speech and Debate tilt hosted in Utah this year pose for a photo at their showcase last week at Church 360. (Contributed Photo)

Fifteen students from the island’s public and private schools will begin their journey to Salt Lake City, Utah today. The students will compete in the annual National Speech and Debate association tournament, which hosts thousands of students from around the globe. Their counterparts under the junior high division will travel to Utah as well to compete in their respective categories later this week.

The high school orators presented their pieces during a showcase last week at Church 360 in Susupe.

For Kagman High School volunteer coach Joylynn Jones it will be the second time training and traveling with the representatives for the week-long competition.

“The majority of the team have attended at least one National Competition previously. I have been told it is the most experienced team the CNMI has ever sent,” she told Saipan Tribune. “It is very exciting to be a part of this year’s team, and I look forward to many students breaking [advancing to the next round] in their respective events!”

The team has been practicing twice a week since the regional competition in April.

For her part, veteran speech competitor Yujin Lee explained that the competition has developed her confidence to speak in front of large crowds.

“I hope to not only improve my speech and acting skills, but also experience life outside of Saipan, learning with a broader view of the world,” she added. “…Although I have been on previous trips, each year feels new.”

Senior orator Masrur Alam expressed similar sentiments. “My goal for the nationals is to break to the next round for my category, which hasn’t been done by the CNMI team ever,” he said.

Fellow senior Rebekah Kim noted that she is looking forward to meeting competitors from the diverse pool of students who take part in the competition every year. In her original speech, Kim will address the issue of human trafficking.

“I found it very difficult because my piece dealt with human trafficking issue and I wanted to simultaneously deliver the factual understanding and emotional perspective clearly,” she explained. “This led me to research more about news and articles that dealt with this issue and watch documentaries to get a sense of emotion that needed to include for my piece. This year will be my last national competition even though I feel very sad I am confident that I will do my best to deliver an excellent speech.”

Marianas High School’s Masrur Alam will be vying for the top spot in international extemporaneous speaking, while Mount Carmel School’s Thomas Manglona II and Cathryn Javier will compete in Lincoln-Douglas debate and commentary, respectively. Elizabeth Rose Jones from Kagman High School will be competing in humorous interpretation. Grace Christian Academy’s Yujin Lee will represent the islands in dramatic interpretation. Northern Marianas Academy’s Rebekah Kim is set to compete in original oratory. Saipan Southern High School’s Jeremiah Fernandez will be competing in storytelling.

The MHS tandem of Yuuki Nishida and Jayrald Mercene will represent the islands in the duo category. Fellow competitor Ann Margaret Norcio will be competing in United States extemporaneous speaking and Kelvin Wolf for prose reading. Saipan International School’s Cerinn Hwang will be traveling for expository, SSHS’ Soon Ho Kwon for poetry, and GCA’s Minna Ito for impromptu speaking.

Jonelle Toskas from Mt. Carmel School will also travel to the national competition for her win in the regional Chamorro categories.

The students were trained by their coaches from private and public schools: Frank Borja, Filmah Buenaflor, Harold Easton, Ceilia Jang, Joylynn Jones, Dencio Manglona, Grace Duran, and Kodep Uludong.

In a separate interview, CNMI Speech and Debate Association board chair Harold Easton said, “This is one of the most talented teams I have ever seen. If they put together a lot of hard work, they should do very well at nationals. The CNMI will have no problem being proud of this group.”