Integrity was proven by forensics throughout various debates at Tabor-Venitsky Tournament at Cerritos College last weekend.

Debates were put on hold during the winter break, but the team came prepared for spring 2008 challenges.

“Moorpark College came in first and Santiago Canyon College came in second,” Juan Victorio, senior debater, said. “I wasn’t too happy about that but I’ll see what happens in the next competition.”

Stacie Leavitt, 16, forensics’ youngest competitor, was a finalist in the open division for her informative speech on algae fuel cells,” Victorio said. Other members of the forensics team also shared their personal successes.

“For the individual tournaments, we had partners Maria Batasch and Lillian Cavalieri compete for prizes,” Victorio said. “Maria won second place in prose and persuasive speeches and Lillian won second place in extemporaneous speaking and was a finalist in impromptu.”

Other forensics members won numerous awards based on similar criteria.

“Michael Barryte won second place for his speech to entertain and Joseph Evans was a finalist for extemporaneous and impromptu,” Batasch said. Katelyn Curran also placed first in the novice division for her informative speech and placed seventh in the overall open division.

“We are ranked number 1 in community colleges nationwide and number 6 in the National Parliamentary Debate Association,” Victorio said. “The National Parliamentary Debate Association is based on forensics teams in two-and four-year colleges.”

This weekend, Los Angeles Valley College will host the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association-Spring Champs, where colleges and universities from as far as Arizona will compete.

“Sometimes it’s better to work with the old partners because the chemistry is there,” Batasch said. “There are better interpersonal skills.”

This semester, only seniors of the forensics team were able to go back to their original partner.

“It’s fun to work with the new members of the forensics team and I grew from this experience this weekend,” Batasch said.

Joining the forensics team is an opportunity for those who like to debate and stay on top of current news.

“I’m proud of my team and everyone is getting along,” Jose Crespo, senior debater, said.

“We could have used more preparation, but I think we still pulled through.”

While some students may find forensics too difficult or bland, team members said that it is a challenge, but an extremely rewarding one.

“Being on the forensics team takes commitment and a willingness to learn,” Crespo said.

“Plus, the coaches provide us with ample help so we’re never completely lost.”

Some of the colleges participating in the PSCFA-Spring Champs at Los Angeles Valley College are: Moorpark College, California State University Fullerton, California State University Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, Point Loma Nazarene College, Cerritos College, University California of Irvine, and many others nationwide.

“Yes, there is a lot of responsibility, but it’s well worth it,” Victorio said.