SOLEDAD — Sixth through 12th-grade students from Monterey County schools gathered last month for the eighth annual Migrant Education Speech and Debate Tournament hosted by the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Migrant Education Region 16.
The Migrant Education Speech and Debate Tournament started at 9:30 a.m. and was the beginning of a very long day for the student contestants. Held at Salinas’ Harden Middle School, the team from Soledad had practiced long and hard to compete against their peers.
To prepare for the tournament, students researched assigned topics, and practiced after school and during lunch sessions with teammates and coaches.
Students and community leaders serve as judges.
“It’s a pleasure to let you know that thanks to our wonderful coach, Mayra Amador, our team from Soledad High won first place at the Migrant Speech and Debate Tournament,” said Elizabeth Fausto, educational advocate at Main Street Middle School.
“It was a very long day, but well worth it. Our students trained with dedication and their hard work paid off. Now, we have to prepare for the State Tournament in May.”
First-place winners will advance to compete at the Migrant Education State Speech and Debate Tournament to be held in Bakersfield, Calif., from May 5 to 7.
“This tournament provides students a meaningful context to sharpen their public speaking skills and experience the excitement of prepared argumentation and persuasion,” said Dr. Ernesto Vela, director for Migrant Education Region 16. “The preparation and dedication necessary for this project amplifies the pride and satisfaction of students and builds confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.”
The Soledad High School team won the High School Spanish Debate title. The English title went to Greenfield High School, which will join the Soledad team in Bakersfield in May.
