SVUDL Students Shine at Ryan Mills Memorial Invitational
March 18-19 was our annual Ryan Mills Memorial Invitational (named in honor of one of our most dedicated supporters and volunteers). Ryan Mills was a deeply influential coach and mentor to many of our team at SVUDL. Speaking words that resonate with each of us, Kwodwo Moore noted in a memorial note, “You made me feel like a peer when my experience within the debate community was so tiny compared to your own, and for that I deeply appreciate and respect you. You have had a real effect on me, and by extension the students that I taught/am teaching/will teach. I am better for knowing you. Thank you Mr. Mills. Thank you simply for being who you are.” Ryan continues to live as part of our community through the relationships he built and the spirit he embodied.
This year, 53 schools and 549 competitors from 3 states attended the tournament, including students from local powerhouses such as Bellarmine College Prep, Archbishop Mitty, Palo Alto High School, and Leland High School. SVUDL students were also in attendance from 10 of our partner schools. Our students did more than hold their own against national competitors!
Varsity Policy Debaters from Downtown College Prep, Junior Edward Flores and Sophomore Fernando Martinez ended prelims with a 4-2 record and went on in Quarterfinals to shock powerhouse Leland High School on a 2-1 decision. The semifinals was the furthest the dynamic duo has ever made it at a national event, and this bodes well for the future of this small but mighty squad!
Meanwhile, in Speech, freshman Katelynn Nguyen from Silver Creek High School shone brightly in Varsity Impromptu, where she advanced all the way to semifinals out of a field of 31 students from 11 schools!
Katelyn has been working hard all year at SVUDL tournaments, perfecting her craft. To her, this national success was a validation of that hard work, “Being acknowledged for the efforts and commitment I put into public speaking is truly rewarding. The competition challenged me to develop and enhance my abilities, and I appreciate the chance to participate at an advanced stage. I'm grateful and excited to see my future endeavors in SVUDL and Speech tourneys!”
For SVUDL, too, this was a huge success, as we witnessed students from across our league compete at the highest level. Our league isn’t simply providing access to tournament opportunities - we are teaching students the skills to succeed so that when they have the opportunity, they thrive!
