By Mallory St. Claire
<[email protected]>

According to speech team member and junior Dianya Pu, speech team will make a strong showing at their first tournament on Nov.  8.

“We have most of our members participating, all of our judges ready, and 35 entries,” Pu said.

Pu also said this year was showing a higher turnout of participation in the extemporaneous event, which is commonly thought of as the hardest event.  Participants are given a topic, thirty minutes to prepare, and must deliver a seven minute memorized speech.

Sponsor John Love is optimistic about the season’s turnout.

“We have a lot of interest and enthusiasm,” Love said.  “My hope for (the members) is to compete as much as possible.  We have plenty of kids, so I’m not worried about Carmel making a strong showing at each and every tournament.”