FORENSICS TEAM ENDS THE YEAR STRONG

Members of Mt. Hood’s speech and debate team are celebrating their participation in the 2021 National Forensics Championships, held online May 7-9. Competing against 16 other two- and four-year colleges and universities, MHCC placed second in the Community College Team Sweepstakes. 

Leading the way for the Saints was Austin Schubert, who won a bronze medal in IPDA Debate (International Public Debate Assoc. rules) and was named 2nd (Top) Speaker overall for NPDA Debate (National Parliamentary Debate Assoc. rules). 

In addition, Edith Ramirez and Tosha Arnold earned bronze medals in Informative Speaking competition for Mt. Hood. 

And Louden Miller, who joined the MHCC team at age 16 this year, reached the “sweet 16” round in the Novice IPDA Debate competition. He also was chosen to perform his After Dinner speech in the Novice exposition. 

“It was an absolute blast,” said Miller, who is graduating this month with both a high school diploma and associates degree from MHCC. This autumn, he will transfer to Brigham Young University-Idaho to student biomedical science, with an ultimate eye on becoming a doctor. 

“My favorite thing is that I’m learning a valuable skill,” he said. Being able to speak in public, think critically, and argue both sides are key life skills that Forensics competition gives students, he said.  

For Ramirez, an immigrant to America, joining the Mt. Hood team this year helped her in multiple ways. 

“I joined the Forensics team to push myself and improve my public speaking and English, in general,” she said. 

She especially encourages Mt. Hood students for whom English is a second language, as the experience can help them build their voice and raise change in society and in their own life. 

As for the national championships event, “It was a great experience. I was really excited to participate,” Ramirez said. 

She is graduating the Mental Health and Social Services and Addiction Counseling program at MHCC, with hopes to attend Portland State University’s Social Work program next. 

The Saints’ showing and individual growth of its team members was gratifying for Shannon Valdivia, Mt. Hood communications instructor who has long led the Forensics team – especially during a uniquely challenging year. 

“This season challenged me as a coach. I have never been in a situation where I have never met my students in person but found ways to establish relationships to bring the best out of each of them,” Valdivia said. 

The Forensics team would practice weekly for a few hours, and members also met individually once a week with their coach to discuss ideas and areas of improvement – all remotely. 

“I am very proud of this team. It has made this pandemic a bit brighter,” Valdivia said, praising its “work ethic, curiosity (and) desire to learn and grow. 

“These students have been resilient, dealing with challenges and disappointments as they came. Most importantly, they have created a bond with one another,” she said. 

For this Fall Term, competitions will continue to be online. 

Valdivia encourages anyone interested in learning more about the Forensics team to reach her at [email protected].