When the Moraine Valley Community College Speech and Debate Team heads to the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Reno, Nevada, for nine days in April, they’ll have a target on their back as incoming consecutive champions. But they’re ready.
“Last year’s team was amazing. Everyone was on their A game. This year is a bigger team, and everyone is very committed. Everyone is so passionate, so I think nationals is going to go well. I hope for a third win in a row to continue the streak,” said Julian Zubrzycki, second-year student from Chicago.
The team held a Night B4 Nationals event on campus on March 25 to showcase their best pieces to family and friends who aren’t able to attend competitions. This was their one chance to see the students’ talents on display while allowing more practice for the team.
Members of the Moraine Valley Community College Speech and Debate Team are competing at nationals.
“The night event was to get practice and for my mom to see it for the first time, especially this program. It’s my baby, ‘Undocumented Joy.’ I told her I was dedicating it to her. This is what I aim to win with at nationals. I cry every time I perform it,” said Oswaldo Ocampo, a student from Burbank in his third season with the team and captain. Ocampo won gold at nationals last year and earned the Warren-Dahlin Student Fellowship Award for best representing the ideals of Phi Rho Pi.
The team will compete in Nevada against two-year colleges from around the country and attempt to defend their title. Many members are returners from last year’s championship team, but there are a few newcomers.
“I’m so nervous and very excited. I wasn’t going to do speech in college after four years in high school, but my world has opened up. I’m reminded every day why I love speech. I love connecting with the audience, and I’m grateful every time I win,” said Marel Doon, first-year student from Chicago Ridge.
The students worked on their pieces for nearly a year; some are a compiling of their research and some a memorized script, all expressed differently per student. They present in different categories including Prose Interpretation, Persuasive Speaking, Informative Speaking, Speech to Entertain, Impromptu Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation and Program of Interpretation.
“It’s been an absolute joy to work with every one of these students. We’re incredibly proud,” said Krista Appelquist, team coach and Moraine Valley communications professor.
“What we do is art, so we don’t censor them. They’ve worked really hard and we’re really proud,” added John Nash, team coach and Moraine Valley communications professor.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist/sport information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
