I suppose I have a strange idea of fun…
Looked forward to this all week, actually – woke up at 6, in Tacoma by 7:30, judged four flights in three rounds of individual events at the State Speech Tournament.
One round of expository, one round of dramatic interpretation (NOT my cup of tea, but interesting), and two rounds of impromptu. I think I enjoy impromptu almost as much as I enjoy humorous interp and duo interp.
I cut out before finals because I really am not comfortable judging for those… and because I am still getting over a head cold.
I was away from home for over 14 hours… which felt more like about five.
I do enjoy being with all the hard-working, dedicated, forward-thinking young people!
Although my own children did not participate in Debate and Speech this year (one aged out when he graduated, the other has been doing other things), I continue to volunteer for the local high school team as I can. I consider giving opportunities like this to children to be part of being a good citizen. It provides them with opportunities to explore their own voices and try out different types of expression. In the debate events, it also teaches them to listen and to communicate about sometimes difficult subjects. I hope that giving students these opportunities will give them an extra edge in life.
One student in particular today stands out: having come an inordinately long way to participate in an impromptu session, he took his time, thought carefully, and dealt with a complicated topic in a surprisingly mature and well-constructed way. Impromptu requires being able to take a single concept, quote, or subject and develop a well-organized, well-formed talk. He took his time, paused when he needed to collect his thoughts, and from start to finish maintained his focus. He did this when he likely was very tired — and yet he finished with a smile, and a handshake with his thanks for the judges.
Several students I have watched over the last few years crossed my path today, and I was impressed with every one of them — their growth in both technique and maturity is obvious, and they should all feel proud for their efforts.
I am so pleased and proud to be allowed to bear witness to the remarkable goodness of today’s youth!
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