MEDIA RELEASE

Nineteen members of the Parker School Debate Team competed in the Hawaii Speech League State Tournament last month on Oahu.

Parker School team members participated in Novice Lincoln Douglas, Championship Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum Debate, as well as Speech events United States Extemporaneous Speaking, International Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking.

A number of Parker School Junior team members advanced to the semifinals.

Paul Gregg placed 4th in Novice Lincoln Douglas, Jesse Tarnas placed 4th in Championship Lincoln Douglas, and Tyler Saito and Thomas Baldwin also advanced and placed 4th.

Quarterfinalists included Tyler McCullough, Victoria Andrade-McKeehan and Kiernan Najita.

Team members Jesse Tarnas, Corey Patton and Grace Bertelsen were double entered in the debate and speech events.

Seniors Annie Sturges and Cara Nair earned 500 points throughout the year and received National Forensic League recognition certificates for their accomplishment. Parker School was among 15 schools represented.

Part of the tournament experience is the grand buffet table teams assemble to keep their participants fueled for the long day of competition.

Having traveled from the Big Island, Parker School kids had sparse provisions and happily accepted Kamehameha’s generous invitation to join them for brunch on Saturday. While sharing the meal the competitors had time to socialize and get to know each other a little better.