From April 9th-April 15th, 2023, Skyline College’s Forensic team traveled to compete in their first national tournament. As a newly founded program, the Phi Rho Pi organization enthusiastically welcomed us with open arms. Student Anthony Tolosa qualified to compete at the Phi Rho Pi National Speech and Debate Tournament that was held in Bethesda, Maryland. The tournament spanned over the course of 5 consecutive days of competition. Anthony competed in Informative Speaking against other competitors from fifty-four 2-year colleges across the nation.
Phi Rho Pi, the National Junior and Community College Forensic Association and Honor Society is a non-profit organization committed to increasing knowledge and appreciation of the forensic arts at the junior and community college level. It has the honor of being one of the oldest forensics organizations having been founded in 1927. Phi Rho Pi offers community college and junior college students the only full service national tournament in the United States with 11 individual events, three forms of debate and interpreters’ theatre.
The theme for this year was “Make It Monumental” and we took advantage of exploring the nations capitol, Washington D.C. while there. This was an extremely fun, exhausting and powerful tournament experience. We have come home with a newfound outlook and appreciation for what this activity is and can be.
If you are interested in joining the speech and debate team, please consider enrolling in COMM 172: Forensics. No previous skills or experience required to join; all are welcome! If you know someone who may be interested in joining the speech and debate team, please help spread the word! If you have any questions about joining the team, contact Director of Forensics, Lindsey Ayotte at ayottel@smccd.edu and (650)738-4276
Article by Lindsey Ayotte | Photos by Anthony Tolosa
