From March 8th-13th Irvine Valley College’s Speech and Debate Team traveled to the CCCFA State Championship Tournament in Woodland Hills, CA. The grueling tournament was attended by hundreds of students from nineteen community colleges across California. IVC Speech concluded the week victorious by winning the 1st Place Sweepstakes Award in limited entry! IVC Speech accepted their 1st Place award after receiving multiple medals in IPDA (individual) debate, NPDA (team) debate, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking. In IPDA debate the team was presented with a variety of topics from universities banning the use of ChatGPT to K-12 schools mandating a later school start time. In the end, Alexia Gallon, Diego Victoria, and Harrison Martin received bronze medals in the debate, while teammate Anthony Carrillo was awarded the silver. Even more impressive, out of the 71 students competing in the event, Diego was named the 3rd speaker overall, Alexia the 4th, and Anthony the 9th.
In NPDA debate, the team was faced with a range of topics from international relations, to domestic issues relating to politics, the economy, and education. Partners Chloe Han and Vincent Woo emerged victorious with a bronze medal, while Harrison Martin and Diego Victoria were named silver medalists. Out of the 60 competitors in the event, Vincent Woo was named the 6th overall speaker. Rounding out the awards, Alexia Gallon received a bronze medal in both extemporaneous speaking and impromptu speaking, while Diego Victoria also received a silver medal in impromptu speaking.
Team member and champion Alexia Gallon stated, “I know communication skills will be key in my future career, and IVC’s Speech Team has undoubtedly prepared me for success! I’ve learned so much about quick-thinking, resilience, and tenacity from my brilliant teammates and coaches as well as through my networking with skilled individuals from other schools.” The team is looking forward to continuing their success at two national championship tournaments. Virtually, they will compete at the National Online Forensics Championship over spring break. In April they will travel to Washington DC to compete at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships. Those interested in joining the IVC Speech Team are encouraged to contact Jules French or Bill Neesen.