On Friday November 19, 2021, Skyline College’s Forensic team competed in the Diablo Valley College “DVC Thing” Tournament. 17 schools from across the Bay Area, Southern California, Arizona, and Georgia participated in the third inaugural tournament held at Diablo Valley College. Students had the opportunity to showcase talents in over 15 different categories of speech and debate events.
Trojans competed in individual debate (IPDA). All students pictured competed in IPDA debate (top to bottom, from left to right): Director Lindsey Ayotte, Brittany Arriharan (Business Administration), Diana Castro (Mathematics), Emma Mayoral (Physics), Illeana Guillen (Journalism), Kalin Ivanov (Biology), Coach Mikey Gutierrez, Zachary Swit (Communication Studies), and Rhoel Paragas (Social Justice Studies).
Brittany Arriharan competed in six online back-to-back rounds over the span of eight hours, ultimately earning a Gold medal! Kalin Ivanov competed in five online rounds of IPDA finishing the tournament earning a silver medal. In addition to earning Silver, out of 30 students entered in the Novice IPDA category, Kalin was named Top Speaker in the event! Participating in debate at the college level of competition not only takes knowledge and technical skills but endurance. The Skyline Community is so proud to everyone who participated and their commitment to the event! A special shout out to our two volunteer coaches who joined us this semester: Mikey Gutierrez and J.P. Escarcega (not pictured), your help has been immeasurable, thank you!
If you are interested in joining the speech and debate team, consider enrolling in COMM 172: Forensics. For the Spring 2022 semester the late start class will begin instruction on Tuesday February 1, 2:10pm-4:00pm. You do not need to be a Communication Studies major to enroll and participate; just look at the major/degree diversity represented on our current team. All skill levels and experience are welcome! 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
