Congratulations to Mount Forensics, Speech & Debate
On November 20, eight members of the Mount Saint Mary Academy Forensics Speech & Debate Team competed asynchronously in the annual Randolph Classic Tournament. Sponsored by the NJ Speech & Debate League, the team competed against 13 other schools: Summit HS, Ridge HS, Montville HS, Randolph HS, Millburn HS, Phillipsburg HS, Delbarton, Montgomery HS, Oak Knoll, Ranney School, Hunterdon Central HS, Manville HS and Freehold HS.
Emily Abbott ‘22, Aayushi Arvikar ‘24, Akshaya Karanam ‘24, Grace Puglisi ‘25, Melissa Ramirez ‘24 and Mikayla Sharif ‘24 competed in Children’s Literature Storytelling. Taryn Murphy ‘23 and Victoria Fekete ‘24 competed in the Pro Con Debate.
After four rounds of competition, Emily finished in 1st place for the Children's Literature Storytelling challenge. Taryn and Victoria finished in 2nd place and 3rd place, respectively, for the Pro Con Debate Challenge.
On Tuesday, November 16, seven team members competed virtually in the inaugural Fall Forensics Festival. Sponsored by the NJ Speech & Debate League, the Mount competed against nine other schools: Delbarton, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Union Catholic, Ridge HS, Montville HS, Randolph HS, Millburn HS, Hunterdon Central High and the Hudson Arts & Science Charter School.
The Mount team did extremely well, earning a 3rd place bronze medal, against Forensics powerhouses Montville, Randolph and Millburn who host annual tournaments in the NJ Speech & Debate League and have 40+ members on each of their teams. Additionally, every Mount competitor ranked in the top five of her category and Victoria Fekete ‘24 ranked 5th overall in the competition.
This Festival event will be held in the Fall, Winter and Spring with Pro Con Debate and Prepared Prompt topics themed upon the time of year. The November Pro Con topic was “Resolved: The U.S. Military Veterans Healthcare System should be privatized.” in honor of Veterans Day.
1st place in the Pro Con Challenge: Taryn Murphy ‘23
1st place in Declamation: Zoe Schack ‘24
2nd place in Declamation: Melissa Ramirez ‘24
1st place in Duo Interpretation: Mikayla Sharif ‘24 and Aayushi Arvikar ‘24
1st place in Children’s Literature: Victoria Fekete ‘24
5th place in Children’s Literature: Emily Abbott ‘22
5th place overall: Victoria Fekete ‘24
© Mount Saint Mary Academy