3 members of the Speech & Debate team received medals March 2 at the AIA Arizona State Championship Speech and Debate Tournament, according to Assistant Coach James King.

The tournament took place at Mountain View High School in Mesa and required the competitors to fight through 4 rounds before making it into the State Finalist round.

Seniors Sam Luba and Jeffrey Takeuchi both took home medals in Congressional Debate, with Luba taking 2nd place and Takeuchi earning 4th place.

Luba also took home recognition for his Original Oratory where he convinced audiences that criticism is useful and will ultimately strengthen society; he took 4th place.

Junior Asia Martin was the State Runner Up for Poetry Interpretation as she presented poems about police brutality.

“Often times, judges leave the final rounds commenting on how close and competitive the rounds are,” King said.

King clarified that earning a medal in state finals is incredibly difficult and that students had to practice their performances all year to earn their spots.

Sophomore Hadriela Castaneda and Junior Avery Lopez were state quarter finalists in Public Forum Debate as well.