This school year has brought many changes to our school’s Speech and Debate. First off, there is a new teacher in charge of Speech and Debate, Ms. Erica McNab. Ms. McNab is on her first year teaching here at Esperanza. She is an Aztec alumni and now teaches college prep and honors Language Arts II. In addition to a new adviser, Speech and Debate is now a club. In previous years this club had been a class, now that it is a club more students will have time and space in their schedule for it.

Speech and Debate meets during lunch and after school sometimes depending on if a student wants to practice an upcoming speech. Many students in the club enjoy that you have the freedom to do what you want in the club, students can do as little as just attend the meetings or if they choose they can go to Speech and Debate competitions. There are no prerequisites for this club and anyone is able to join. Some Speech and Debate students will be attending State Qualifiers on Feb. 24-25.

The Speech and Debate seniors include; Eileen Ahn, Kristen Sandoval, Asha Bhattacharya, Brandon Lim and Kristi Yee.

Eileen Ahn was introduced to the club before even arriving at Esperanza. She claims, “When I was in the eighth grade, I got to watch my brother’s debate competition. I was interested in the community with the sharp suits and eloquent speakers, being at the competition assured that I wanted to join the club when I entered Esperanza.”

Ahn believes Speech and Debate is a great club for students, claiming, “Speech and Debate has not only helped me enjoy public speaking, but has also allowed me articulate my thoughts clearly to share my inner passions. Students who are afraid of public speaking and students who wish to improve should join because it will help them overcome many fears of public speaking. They will also be engaged in a diverse community and will meet students from all over the county. My favorite part of the club is that you’re exposed to topics, concepts, and notions that are often hushed about in school. New concepts will open your mind and nourish your brain.”

Speech and Debate creates many memories for members, for Ahn it was in her freshman year. She had a five hour journey with her long time friend Kristen Sandoval to state competitions, where she swept the competition.