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Maranatha Speech & Debate Competes at Cal Invitational
Each year, the Maranatha Speech & Debate Team travels to a college invitational, and this year, we headed to UC Berkeley. Over three days, students competed in full-day events held across campus, giving us the chance to experience Berkeley while putting our skills to the test.
We brought 10 students total, including three Public Forum (2v2) debate teams and four individual competitors in a variety of speech events. Two of our debate teams advanced to elimination rounds, and our speech competitors represented Maranatha well in events with more than 200 students.
While strong performances were a highlight, our team would agree that the trip was ultimately about growth and connection. Competing all day, multiple days in a row, requires focus, stamina, and perseverance. Speech and debate can be demanding, and every student stepped up by participating in multiple events each day and staying engaged throughout the weekend.
Many of the students on this trip were also new to speech and debate. My co-president, Grace Jung, and I have been encouraged by the dedication they showed during the preparation process. Watching them move from learning the basics to confidently competing in a tournament setting was a reminder of how much growth can happen in just a few months.
Another standout part of the weekend was the way our team bonded. Late nights of researching, prepping, and debriefing turned into shared memories and real encouragement. Even in an activity that can feel individual, this trip reminded us how much teamwork matters, whether it’s helping someone rehearse, sharing evidence, or cheering each other on between rounds. We also had time to explore Berkeley together, including trying new food spots, sightseeing, and ice skating.
This year’s Berkeley invitational marked an important step forward for our program, and we’re excited to carry that momentum into future tournaments.
