The Garland High School speech and debate team had a successful run during the Texas Forensics Association State Tournament March 4-8 in El Paso. In fact, the group did so well, they made campus history.
Led by nine-year speech and debate coach Lory Stewart, the fierce orators gave fine performances in their various categories, which included everything from congressional debate to foreign extemporaneous speaking.
“I knew this year was going to be special, because we have such a talented team of 45 students,” Stewart said. “We are proud to announce that we had a GHS record breaking three students in the finals at state, and I could not be more proud.”
Of those three state finalists, two placed in the top five of their respective divisions, while one became Garland’s third state champion.
“We have a new state champion in prose reading—junior Amani Abderahman,” Stewart revealed. “She received first place in every round, besting 99 other competitors for the title.”
In addition to Abderahman’s win, senior Liam McCoy placed fourth overall in poetry reading, and senior Hannan Ahmed also placed fourth in impromptu speaking. Garland’s gifted group also had four state semifinalists and two quarterfinalists.
“These students lead by example, and I know this experience will give them confidence in the future, as well as inspire future speech and debate members.”
Abderahman is now set to showcase her skills, along with nine of her team members, at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions in May.
Photo courtesy of Lory Stewart