Migrant education winners get ready for state competition

Monterey County winners from last month's Migrant education speech and debate competition are getting ready for the state championship, which will take place May 13 - 15 in Fresno.

Gonzales High and North Monterey High were first place winners of debate in English. Alisal High won in debate in Spanish. Gavilan View Middle School won debate in English.

In speech categories in English, Ivan Bermudez of North Monterey High won 1st place in the prepared category and Martin Aguirre of Everett Alvarez High won 1st place in extemporaneous category.

In speech categories in Spanish, Alma Martinez of Gonzales High won first place for prepared speech, and Nancy Ramirez of Alisal High won for extemporaneous speech.

This is just a sampling of the winners. Participants came from schools all over the Salinas Valley, you can find a complete list of the winner here.

Students will spend the next month reviewing the feedback given during the tournament to refine their skills in preparation for competition in May, educators say. Trustees with the North Monterey County Unified School District recognized its winners during the April 7 board meeting.

The Monterey County Office of Education's Migrant Education Program serves the largest migrant population in the state of California. The 2016 Regional Speech & Debate Tournament was held March 12th at Salinas High School. Approximately 200 students in grades 6 to 12 competed in speech and debate in English and Spanish.

Congratulations to all the winners! You make Monterey County proud!

North Monterey County Migrant Ed Speech and Debate winners