By Tamsin Hurlbut

   Tempe Prep’s Speech and Debate team is heading to Nationals! 

   This year, the tournament will be held in Louisville, Kentucky from June 12-17. This is a prestigious honor, and a remarkable opportunity that only a few hard-working, sharp students qualified for when placing high in their events.

   Junior Theresa O’Connor qualified in Informative Speaking and junior Connor Clark qualified in Lincoln Douglas Debate. While it is usual for competitors to be anxious about an upcoming competition, Connor says, “I am much more excited than nervous. I always like to see the level of competition at large prestigious tournaments because it is a whole different type of fun.”

   Theresa, on the other hand, says, “I cannot wait for the opportunity to compete with individuals from all over the country and talk about a subject I am really passionate about, but I am also nervous because it is, well, Nationals!”

   Both juniors are starting their preparations early. Theresa says, “I will be remaking different features on my visual-aid boards, including my pop-up book. I am also revising my Info speech and writing additional pieces for my supplemental events. ” 

   Connor says he will do “tons of topic preparation, which includes thorough research and evidence gathering, and debate in a lot of practice rounds.”

   This year the National Speech and Debate Association, or NSDA, is allowing two students from each school to compete in supplementals. Sophomores Dayanara Gamez and Taylor Conley are competing and are looking forward to the challenge. 

   At the Arizona District Tournament, the team also received several notable awards. Senior Nishat Ahmed placed as the third alternate in Informative Speaking and is the 2022 Arizona Student of the Year. Connor also earned the honor of Chapter Leader with 210 points this season.

   Theresa added some final words to conclude this year’s season: “I would like to thank my coach, Dani Delgado, for all the time and effort she has put into getting me to Nationals. I know without her support and dedication, I would not have such an amazing opportunity. She has inspired me to ‘reach for the stars’ and push myself so I can achieve my goals.”