meet the team
Alana Armstrong '12
Major: Molecular Biology
Alana Armstrong is a graduate of Sierra High in Manteca. While at Sierra, Alana participated in and became president of the Drama, Speech, and Interact clubs. She also founded the "Girls Engaged in Math and Science" club for local preteen girls. She began public speaking at the age of 8 and has competed and placed through the 4H and Rotary clubs, at the local, district, and state levels. Through her presidency in the Interact club, Alana became a Rotary Exchange student to Germany, and was honored as a life time seal bearer of the California scholarship federation.
David Azcarraga '12
Major: Politics
Before graduating with the class of 2008 from Hercules High School, David was involved with the Golf team, the Interact club, and the Hercules Police Explorers. During his freshman year, he was selected as one of five youth ambassadors to travel to Hercules' Sister City: Tsushima, Japan. Along with fellow delegates, the Chief of Police, and the Mayor of Hercules, David delivered a speech in Japanese to the diplomats of Tsushima, Japan. In David's sophomore year, he joined the Hercules High School Mock Trial team. During the 2007-2008 Mock Trial season, David became Vice-President and received the Contra Costa County "Coach's Award" for his role as lead attorney for the defense.
David's events: Parliamentary debate and Extemporaneous speaking.
In David's words: "One of the greatest President of the 21st century once said in a motivational speech, 'Ask not what your Country can do for you – but what you can do for your Country.' As a new member of the Macken Forensics Speech and Debate team, a student, and future member of the United State legal system I believe that I have much to contribute to my country with the knowledge I gain from my experiences at Saint Mary's. Dedication, perseverance, and integrity are how I plan to represent the Saint Mary's Macken Speech and Debate team."
Ana Diaz '11
Major: Liberal and Civic Studies (pre-law track)
Ana is from San Jose and graduated from Piedmont Hills High School, class of
2007. Ana became interested in debate the second semester of her senior year
when she joined the debate team at her school. Ana was also part of the Wind
Ensemble and French Club at her high school.
Ana has high hopes for college and what it can offer her.
Ana's events: Parliamentary debate, Extemporaneous and Impromptu speaking
In Ana's words: "I'm really planning to get involved in college. Macken Speech and Debate will
be a big part of my college life. I know it will be a lot of work but I know it
will be a great experience that will be applicable in other areas of my life."
George Emmons '12
Double major: Integral and Politics
George has lived in San Ramon, CA for most of his life, and during high school, participated in the California High School Mock Trial and the Model United Nations teams, becoming captain of the Mock Trial team in his senior year. George received the Best Closing Argument award in Contra Costa County in 2008 and numerous awards as a member of the Model United Nations Team. This year, he competed at Junior States of America and was awarded the Best Speaker Award for his ability to argue the pros of Social Security. George also has a great interest in the law and hopes to go to law school and become a lawyer after his time at St. Mary's.
George's Events: Parliamentary Debate, Extemporaneous, and Persuasive speaking
In George's words: "As a part of Macken Forensics, I hope not only to enhance my speaking and debating skills but I also want to do what I can to foster a cohesive team environment. The skill of our team coupled with a tight-knit team will help us to succeed. I look forward to becoming a part of the Macken Forensics Family and am thankful for the opportunity that I have been given to be a part of this great team."
Chelsea O'Sullivan '12
Major: Environmental Science
Chelsea graduated from Coast Union High School in 2008 at the top of
her class. In high school she participated on the Coast Union Mock
Trial team for all four years. Her experiences in Mock Trial led her
to join the Macken Forensics team to continue public speaking. Chelsea
also played three years of varsity volleyball, was president of the
Coast Union Interact Club, and participated in an exchange program to
Spain the summer after her junior year.
Chelsea's events: Parliamentary debate and Extemporaneous speaking.
Elizabeth Patterson '10
Double Major: Politics and Business Administration
Esteban Salinas '11
Major: Integral Studies
Esteban Salinas graduated from Davis Senior High School. While in high school, he started the Multi Cultural club, attended the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project and was elected Northern Ambassador. Esteban played competitive
soccer for a number of years with San Juan club, played a year of high
school soccer, and helped coach a younger boys team. Esteban debated in
high school until conflicts arose with his schedule, and he hopes to use his experience
with debate to help him when he pursues law and business in the future.
Esteban's events: Parliamentary debate and Extemporaneous speaking
In Esteban's words: "The ability to speak coherently and present a case
instantly is a skill that will come in handy in law and business, since life
really is just a large sale pitch of yourself to other people. I know that
joining the speech and debate team is taking appropriate steps to ensure my
success in life. Also, I am having fun at the same time. What else could
possibly be better?"
