LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Mats Public Speakers Take Sixth at State Championships


Photo porvided

Thirty-six Miramonte High School Public Speakers, seven parent judges/chaperones, and two teachers enjoyed laughter and learning at the California High School Speech Association's State Championships April 17-19 at Vista Murietta High School in Murietta, Calif. The Mats earned sixth place out of 360 schools and claimed the Congress Champion for the third year in a row.

"Our students epitomized good sportsmanship and camaraderie," said Miramonte teacher and public speaking head coach Kristen Plant. "They endured 14-hour days of competition with good cheer and appreciation of this special opportunity. We could not have done it without the support of Miramonte staff, students and parents. We are particularly grateful for the generous sponsorship of the Educational Foundation of Orinda."

Special commendation to our semi-finalists and finalists:

Sean McFeely - 1st in Congressional Debate and a $250 prize

Ray Barrie-Kivel -- 1st place Presiding Officer in Congressional

Debate and a $250 prize

Bryan Wang - 2nd in National Extemporaneous Speaking

Owen Chang - 3rd in International Extemporaneous

Daniel Ginsburg - 4th in International Extemporaneous

Aaron Baum - 6th in National Extemporaneous

Liam Madsen - 8th in Original Prose and Poetry

Jonathan Zhou - 9th in National Extemporaneous

Fatima Hasanain - 10th in National Extemporaneous

Marcel Bollag - 11th in Original Advocacy

Alex Jang - 13th in International Extemporaneous

Max Han - 17th in Congressional Debate

Konnie Guo - 18th in Original Advocacy

Bryan Wang and Aaron Baum -- octafinalists in Public Forum Debate

Kelly Zheng and Anna Miskelley -- double octafinalists in Public

Forum Debate