Publish Date: Mar 17, 2016
SALINAS, Calif. – Hartnell Community College District is proud to announce that the Hartnell Speech Team made history this past weekend at the California Community College Forensics Association State Speech Championships.
Hartnell student Adrian Flores became the first Hartnell College student ever to qualify for the national Phi Rho Pi speech tournament, a national community college forensics (speech and debate) organization. Flores earned a bronze award, advanced to finals, and qualified for the national tournament.
“When I found out that I made finals, my reaction was shock and excitement,” said Flores. “I truly feel a sense of accomplishment because I am the first student from Hartnell that has been able to get this far and qualify for nationals.”
City College of San Francisco hosted 31 community colleges from around the state including De Anza College, Los Angeles Valley College, Pasadena City College and others.
“Our team goal has been to represent Hartnell on the national level,” said Coach Jason Hough. “Adrian’s success shows we are headed in the right direction and that Hartnell College will be increasingly acknowledged as a top competitor in California.” Hough started the speech team three years ago, and is excited about the team’s success.
Guest judge and Hartnell adjunct faculty member Sara Parker travelled with the team this past weekend and described Flores’ performance as calm, poised, centered and confident.
“What I know from working with Adrian is that he was consistent in the 3 rounds leading up to finals,” articulated Assistant Coach Lana McDonnell on his formula for success. “He took creative risks, stepped up and demonstrated excellence.”
Ten of Adrian’s teammates also competed, earning high marks; they are: Susan Alcantar, Sarina Atkins, Meritzy Ayala, Jasleem Bonilla, Andrea Cervantes, Marc Dover, Celina Juarez, Enrique Lopez, Esmeralda Ramirez and Lourdes Tinajero.
Flores and Coach Hough will travel to the national tournament in Costa Mesa, CA April 4-8, 2016. For more information, contact rofessor Hough at jhough@hartnell.edu or 831-755-6994.
Photo #1: Guest judge Sara Parker and Adrian Flores.
Photo#2: Front row: Celina Juarez, Lourdes Tinajero, Coach Jason Hough, Adrian Flores, Assistant Coach Lana McDonnell, Andrea Cervantes, Jasleem Bonilla. Back row: Susana Alcantar, Sarina Atkins, Enrique Lopez, Marc Dover, Esmeralda Ramirez, Meritzy Ayala.
Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920
The Hartnell CCD serves over 16,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
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