This year, for the 3rd year in a row since the program opened for High School students, HLP is heading to one of the most prestigious speech and debate tournaments in the country. From February 14-17, 9 students from Los Altos and other representatives across the district, will compete at the National Harvard Tournament hosted on Harvard University’s campus in Boston.
The Harvard tournament has competitors from across the nation and is known for its highly competitive events in Speech and Debate events. For many competitors, qualifying alone to attend this tournament is considered a major achievement.
“Harvard is one of the biggest Speech and Debate tournaments to attend, aside from NSDA, which is like the Olympics but for Speech and Debate,” said Jayden Perez, a senior. “As someone who has attended this tournament for 3 years already and as a captain of the LAHS team, it’s a pretty big deal not just for our team but for our school’s as well.”
The tournament serves as a national platform where students compete against some of the most talented competitors across the country. As the team is filled with many big feelings to compete, they prepare themselves diligently for competition.
Many team members explain how speech has taught them to advocate for not only themselves but for others, and how being able to leave an impact at a tournament like Harvard is so empowering.
“Making the Harvard Team is really motivating,” said Victoria Martinez, a junior. “Preparing for this tournament really reminds me that it’s not always about winning in this activity, but about advocating for those who can’t.”
For many of the seniors on the team, this year’s tournament holds a lot of special meaning rooted from memories.
“After joining the team last year, I’m returning to compete at Harvard for a second year,” said Melody Espinoza. “Last year was overwhelming because it’s such a tiring tournament, but it inspires me to work harder, the coaches also prepare us well with local tournaments and stamina to prepare us.”
There has been a noticeable growth for accolades and achievements within the HLP team. For many, the Harvard tournament is more than just a competition, but a milestone that proves their voices deserve to be heard.
“The team’s success reflects more than just individual accomplishments,” Perez said. “It’s not about qualifying. It’s about showing how our school and HLP belong in national places like these.”
