The Fairmont Prep Speech & Debate team capped the 2016-17 season on a high note, winning a national title in one division, and finishing second in another. The team of North Tustin 8th graders Harishri S. and Hitakshi S. earned a national championship in the Public Forum division of the 1st Annual Middle School Tournament of Champions, held at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, KY. They finished the weekend winning 17 out of 18 ballots, and defeated teams from New York, Maryland, and Alabama on their way to the final round, where they defeated a team from the Harker School in San Jose on a 3-0 decision to capture the title. Hitakshi earned recognition as the third best individual speaker, with Harishri being named seventh best speaker, and HAC 8th grader Jennifer C. earning ninth place out of a field of 120 competitors.
Two weeks earlier, the University of Kentucky also played host to the 46th annual High School Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious high school speech & debate competition in the nation. Competing in the Silver Public Forum division, against a field of 72 entries, representing 22 states and 3 countries, the Fairmont Prep team of sophomore Jake P. and freshman Matthew O. advanced to the final round, finishing second in the nation to a team representing Millard North High School of Nebraska, with Jake recognized as the seventh place individual speaker. Along the way to the finals, they bested teams from Texas, Idaho, Florida, California, New York, and Tennessee. Also earning high honors in the Silver Public Forum division were the team of junior Adnan I. and sophomore Kyle K., who advanced to the quarterfinals, finishing tied for fifth place in the county.
Congratulations on a great season! Go Huskies!
