EXCEL Academy's Tanesha Walker Prepares for Saturday at the December Oakland Workshop.

Why should you be excited for the National Qualifier at the Fremont Federation of High Schools (4610 Foothill Blvd.)?  What are you doing to prep aside from thinking of debate?  Two Varsity debaters, Tanesha Walker, of EXCEL Academy, and Wyllene Turner, of Street Academy, describe what Saturday means to them — and share tips on how they intend to prep for some incredible rounds on December 12 and 13:

Tanesha:

I am excited about the tournament because I just created an affirmative case that I really want to run.  Also, if I get to go to New York City, [my coach] Sebastian [Castrechini] said I can shave off part of his beard.  I am preparing by writing my case, going through kritiks, doing debate whenever I can and talking to friends who went to debate camp.

Wyllene:

I love debate, so I am excited.  On tournament days, I wake up early and sometimes do not want to go, but the moment I arrive and think ‘Let’s go for it,’ — and I do.  I would also like to qualify to go to New York City!  As a team, Street Academy is thinking of good strategies and going to practice.

T-Minus 4 days and we hope that you, Varsity or Novice, experienced or new, are doing the same!