Once in a while I have to break with the “art+photo” theme of this blog and use it for a family update.
The NCFCA Regional Speech and Debate tournament came and went this last week. It was a great tournament, but exhausting.
The competition was held at the new Concordia University campus, which is surrounded by a nature preserve and has all the beauty of the Texas hill-country.
The duo team of Adams/Clay did incredible! I was so proud of them both. Ms. Adams can play one mean gestapo-like step-mother, and Ms. Clay was a very convincing cannibalistic witch. 🙂 (Their duo was “Hansel and Gretel” ) They made it to semi-finals and had a great time!
And then there was the IO. I had my doubts going into the week, but the kid did good. She snagged a slot to NATS by the skin of her teeth. Only FOUR slots for NATS in IO? Wow. Most events had at least 5 or 6 slots available, some up to 10. We’re extremely proud of course, but this little lady in the red sailor dress…
…was the one who amazed us! She participated in her first junior tournament, just having turned 8 last week to meet the age requirement for registration.
I wondered, “Will she cry?”, “Will she freeze up?”
Nope.
She marched right into her rooms in front of the judges (6 times!) and gave her speeches just like she had practiced at home. After the 3rd round she said, “I wish the tournament lasted longer!”
She wound up getting a 2nd place medal for her interpretation and now she’s hooked. The NCFCA knows how to draw them in early! 🙂
Speaking of early….nothing was early at this tournament. It ran approx. 4 hours behind on Saturday evening.
So we waited….and waited….
Awards started around 11:45 p.m. It was a bit challenging with the little kids, but we managed.
Because the ceremony began so late, there were no photo ops of the finalists like last year, so we just snapped some pics in the yard.
Here is Ms. Clay with her unusual disc-like award.
I was wondering if they had a clearance sale on these at the local trophy house? 🙂 Oh, I don’t mean to downplay the achievement they represent, of course, but it’s just…kinda ugly. Oh well, the experience is what counts.
The National Championship will be held at Regent University in Virginia next month. Last year, my daughter learned some valuable character lessons at the National Championship. I’m thankful she will have the opportunity to participate again. More in June!
congratulations, Clay Ladies!!!! just like their mamma! 🙂
Wow! Nice post Mrs. Clay! I really loved Regionals too, and am looking forward to seeing you guys again at Nats!!!
Thanks, Mr. H! And hey, stop telling Maddie that you’re going to re-do your boards again!!! :)…ugh!…she’s going to start wanting to go to Hobby Lobby for more stuff to re-do hers! Ahhhh! (j/k!!) 🙂
You have brilliant children!
I don’t know about brilliant…but they sure do like to talk! haha! 🙂
They always give away those awards at regionals…
Sorry. Congrats on doing so well and such a great experience. One of the things that I enjoyed the most was seeing the young Jr. students encouraged and critiqued by the “rock stars” of the big tournament. It was pretty cool.
Pass on the torch of freedom!
><> Brian
Congratulations to the Clays!
We’re so proud of them :).
It was so much fun ! I wish I had planned better and could have judged Saturday night. I know it ran late due to lack of judges. We are so proud of both of them ! Can’t wait to hear about Virginia ! Go Maddie !!!
Jeana, you did plenty!! There was a lack of judges, but the staff said it was a lack of parent judges that was causing the delays (yikes) Thanks again so much for coming and judging!!
Congrats, girls!! And some great photos, Scarlett! Great job all around – you’re inspiring us to speak (and blog).
Thanks Brenda!! And now you know why we weren’t at church the next morning–ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz. 🙂
Madilaine,
I am so proud of you and Sveva! Keep up the hard work. You are both awesome!