AHS Speech & Debate Students Earn Top Placings in Major Tournaments

The Alhambra High School Speech & Debate team have been triumphant in recent tournaments this school year. Members of the team attended SCDL State Quals and the East Los Angeles District tournament for a chance to qualify to either the State Championship or Nationals, and this year’s State Qual competition saw over 100 students competing in various events. Sophomore Julia Huang claimed 3rd place in Declamation, with Senior Emmett Lee earning 4th place in Impromptu Speaking. Right after is Senior Christian Hsu and Junior Zoe Cho in Duo Interpretation for 5th place, along with Senior Emilie Taniguchi and Freshman Kyle Taniguchi placing 7th in Duo as well. In the East Los Angeles tournament, Sophomore Vanessa Quintana and Senior Andrew Aquino earned 6th place in Duo Interpretation, along with Junior Amy Alonso making it to semi-finals for Humorous Interpretation. The finalists for states will move on to Logan High School to represent our school from April 17-19. Cho expressed her excitement when she qualified, saying, “The moment Christian and I found out that we were going to be attending State Championships, I felt so exhilarated and incredibly proud of us. We worked so hard almost everyday leading up to state qualifications and it felt amazing knowing all our hard work paid off. I am also super grateful to Christian because without him, I would never have had this opportunity.” Hsu further shares his thoughts, saying, “I am very thankful, appreciative and proud of how I ended my journey with Speech & Debate! I think this is a good way to end my senior year.”