On Saturday, September 16th, the Bowie Forensics team won big at the Pflugerville State Qualifier and returned with many winners and new trophies to display the skill and hard work put forth by the competitors. The team is coached by Brian Alford and Marco Bazan, and as an activity downplayed by popular movies such as ‘Clueless,’ more preparation goes into speech and debate tournaments than one may think. Sophomore Ashlyn Dahl explained the amount of vigorous work and commitment it takes before competing in the tournament to confidently compete in an event against other schools.

“When preparing for a tournament, it’s really important to stay up to date with what’s happening in the world because in extemporaneous speaking, you have no idea what you’re about to talk about except that it’s a recent issue. Many kids also spend hours researching for the other types of debates, building up a strong case and being prepared for anything an opponent might say,” Dahl said.

In the midst of all the research and training, the team doesn’t forget to enjoy what they do and encourage each other to do their best in each tournament. Leading up to competition time, tensions begin to run high but Dahl explained that the forensic team supports each other to calm nerves and ease any doubt that could arise in one’s ability to succeed, which ultimately brings the team closer together.

“The team as a whole is just a great group of really nice, smart, and kind kids. All of us continuously encourage each other and help each other in anyway we possibly can. Everyone is fantastic, including our coach, Mr. Alford, and I know they will always be rooting for me, even on a tough tournament day,” Dahl said.

The extended effort and time put into preparing for tournaments by Bowie students is remarkable, and vindicates their well deserved trophies and winnings brought back to proudly represent Bowie High School. It is certain that the Bowie Forensics team is talented and passionate about what they do, and certainly puts the students in ‘Clueless’ to shame.

1st Place in Duo Interpretation: Luke Evans and Kaedon Solana

1st Place in Dramatic Interpretation: Katie Norris (STATE QUALIFIER)

1st Place in Novice Extemporaneous Debate: Ashlyn Dahl

2nd Place in Duo Interpretation: Natalie Guerra and Reed Syzdek

3rd Place in Duo Interpretation: Luke Fisher and Faith Winkley

3rd Place in Dramatic Interpretation: Luke Evans

3rd Place in Humorous Interpretation: Kaedon Solana

3rd Place in International Extemporaneous Speaking: Amy Shreeve

6th Place in Duo Interpretation: Maya Armand and Lauren Warhola

6th Place in Congressional Debate: Amy Shreeve

6th Place in Humorous Interpretation: Connor Snow

Finalist in Congressional Debate: Ashlyn Dahl

Semi-Finalists in Extemporaneous Speaking: Maggie Bisone, Andrew Chada, Rebekah Garza, Rasheek Huq, Jack Maedgen, Briana Rodriguez, Robbie Warhola

Quarter-Finalists in Public Forum Debate: Maggie Bisone and Rebekah Garza

Top Speaker Award in Public Forum Debate: Haroon Dossani