The Modesto Junior College Forensics Team captured 10 medals at the 2010 California Community College Speech and Debate Championships held March 18-21 in Concord, California. A highlight was the Forensics Team placing second overall on the perpetual Sweepstakes out of the 31 community colleges competing at the tournament. Another outstanding accomplishment was the capture of First Place Gold medals in both Impromptu Speaking and in Parliamentary Lincoln/Douglas Debate by MJC’s Joshua Ward, a Beyer High School graduate.

Robert and Richard Birlew, graduates of Sierra View High School, achieved the Second Place Silver in Parliamentary Team Debate; Christopher Yerzy and James Birlew, also graduates of Sierra View High, brought home an award in Parliamentary Team Debate, and Christopher also took the Third Place Bronze in NFA Lincoln/Douglas Debate. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Robert earned the Second Place Silver while his twin brother Richard brought home the Third Place Bronze.

Phillip Azevedo, a Turlock High School graduate, achieved Second Place Silver medals in Prose Interpretation and in Duo Interpretation with his partner Paris Player, from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. Jessica Medina, a Beyer High graduate, brought home the Third Place Bronze award for her performance in Persuasive Speaking.

“These eight students will be proudly representing Modesto Junior College at the upcoming Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in New Orleans,” said Speech Team Head Coach Todd Guy. “The MJC team is preparing to compete at the next level, where we hope to continue MJC’s rich history of National Champions.”

For more information on MJC’s Forensics Team contact Coach Guy at (209) 575-6177, via e-mail at guyt@mjc.edu or the Arts, Humanities and Communications Division Office at 575-6081.