By Caitlyn Beasley, Creflo Chery, and Joanna Abel
Novice Champs, or often referred to as novice districts, is a district level championship that selects the best novice competitors to compete for the title of best in the district (and a trophy of course). Taking place May 11, 2019, approximately six novices from Pompano Beach High School competed at Novice Champs this year: Emma Parker, Victoria Peraza, Gabby Mcquarty, Joanna Abel, Parth Agarwal, and Grace Wisdom. Our students pulled their best speeches from their files and created strong arguments during preparation for the tournament. They pulled time from class and worked hard after school to perfect their speeches and make sure everything was perfect. They researched topics and even worked on their note-taking abilities as well in order to help with the upcoming tournament. Once the tournament arrived, the novices were ready. Nervous, but ready. They planned to give it their all and competed for about 9 hours, in which there were five rounds. In the end, when it was over, the novices felt strong and accomplished with their speeches and arguments. The novices waited about 2-3 days for their results, making them more nervous by the hour. After the results were revealed, Parth learned he did not place in Lincoln Douglas, neither did Gabby and Victoria Competing in Public Forum. Emma Parker competing in Original Oratory, also did not place. However, Joanna Abel, competing in Program Oral Interpretation, landed second place in her event. Grace Wisdom, competing in Informative Speaking, won first place in her event. Our Champs had this to say about the event:
“Though I’m bummed that I lost, I had a great time and had good experience. 10/10 would go again.” Parth tells us, explaining his great experience at Novice Champs.
“Even though I didn't win all my rounds, it was a fun learning experience. But it did get boring at times.” (Gabby Mcquarty).
“Competing there was so much fun, I’m kind of disappointed that I'm not going to be a novice anymore” (Victoria Peraza).