Forensics Team hosts Black Hawk Invitational

Adam Larson, Editor-in-Chief

February 18, 2014

On Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8, the BPHS Forensics Team hosted its 28th annual Black Hawk Speech and Debate Invitational. High school students from southwestern Pennsylvania, Canton, Ohio, and Erie attended the tournament.

A full range of competition in the National Forensics League Individual Events, Congress, Lincoln-Douglas debate, Policy debate, and Public Forum debate was provided. There were five preliminary rounds of speaking in all individual speech events. A quarter, semi, and final round followed.

As hundreds of students filed into the high school cafeteria for registration on Friday afternoon, BPHS Forensics parents and NHS volunteers helped keep their stomachs happy with food and beverages sold at the concession stand.

The tournament trickled late into the evening on Friday until 10 p.m. On Saturday, the tournament started promptly at 8 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, after the students were done competing, awards were handed out based on the judges’ scores.

Trophies were awarded to all finalists, semi-finalists, and quarter finalists in individual events. In addition, trophies were awarded to finalists, semifinalists, and quarter finalists in all debate events. Ten speaker awards (medals) were handed out in Policy debate.

Gavels were awarded to the Presiding Officers in Congress and trophies to the top three speakers in each house. Also, five speakers of Merit from each house received medals.

Sweepstakes Awards were given to the top two schools in Speech and Debate. Coming in first was North Allegheny and in second was Upper St. Clair.

Participating in the Black Hawk Speech and Debate Invitational, Bethel Park senior Jarrod Cingel said: “I’m really happy with my performance in my final Black Hawk Invitational. Although I didn’t win, my partner and I are really proud of making it all the way to the semifinals. We lost on a 2-1 decision to the best debater in the district and the smartest person I know. We are thrilled with the improvement we’ve shown. We are also very optimistic for qualifiers, and we are constantly working to get better.”

Keeping at it and persevering is just what these students do. As of right now, Jarrod and his Forensics teammates will continue to gear up for future competitions.

About the Contributor

Adam Larson, Editor-in-Chief

When one thinks of Hawk Eye, one thinks of the award winning journalist Adam Larson. More than just the face of the Hawk Eye, Adam Larson excels in much more than journalism and this is that story. To get to know a little more about Adam, he mentions what he likes to do in his free time. This includes teaching CCD, participating in his church's youth group, and participating in Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. Larson said of his extracurricular activities, “I just like to keep myself busy.” Adam’s story with Hawk Eye goes back to his sophomore year, when he joined the upstart school newspaper. Larson said on why he joined, “I joined because I enjoy writing, and I wanted to be a part of the change from a paper to an online newspaper.” Larson’s history with school newspapers dates back to 7^th grade, when he joined Independence Middle School’s student newspaper. Not just an experienced writer, Larson is also an award-winning writer. His articles have won Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards from the Pennsylvania School Press Association. With his history in scholastic newspapers, Larson also details a vision for Hawk Eye. Which consists of new articles every day, videos, and a PSPA gold publication. Larson also wants to take a larger role in leadership in Hawk Eye. Adam wishes to use his experience to give advice to other writers. A very skilled writer, his articles mainly consist of Features and News. He is widely known for his regular feature “From the Desk of Dr. J.” Larson plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to study engineering. He told of his job shadowing experience with a Petroleum Engineer over the summer, calling it a very interesting experience. Larson said, “I prefer science, and I still joined Hawk Eye, because I am going to use writing for the rest of my life. Everybody will use writing. Just because I want to study engineering does not mean I can not enjoy writing.” The character that is Adam Larson is truly a unique person. His enigmatic personality will bring Hawk Eye to new heights. Written by Sean Miehl, Staff Writer