SAN JOSE, CA – As part of the ongoing commitment to improve student equity and provide support to students, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Migrant Education Program, Region I organized the Inaugural Migrant Education Speech and Debate Tournament.
On March 25, this bilingual event provided over 50 students from Alameda, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties enrolled in the Migrant Education Program (MEP) an opportunity to participate in a public speaking competition at the Latino College Preparatory Academy.
Students entered as groups or individually in two grade-level categories: middle school and high school.
Winners in English Speech are:
- First-Place Winner: Jasmin Camilo, Grade 9, Hayward Unified School District - Tie
- First-Place Winner: Jose Becerra, Grade 12, Hayward Unified School District - Tie
- Second-Place Winner: Mitzi Becerra, Grade 9, Hayward Unified School District
- Third-Place Winner: Julio Lopez, Grade 9, Latino College Preparatory Academy
Winners in Spanish Debate are:
- Middle School First-Place Winner: Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
- High School First-Place Winner: Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Winners in English Debate are:
- Middle School First-Place Winner: Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
- High School First-Place Winner: Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
- High School Second-Place Winner: Santa Clara Unified School District
- High School Third-Place Winner: San Jose Unified School District
"This event is historic, and the product of great community collaboration, and I thank Mr. Jesus Rios, director of Latino College Preparatory Academy, for hosting our first annual tournament. We could not have done this without his help, and the help of his staff, especially Michelle Moreno and Alex Heredia. Thank you!" says Carlos Acosta the SCCOE MEP manager.
Photos from the March 25 tournament can be viewed on the SCCOE Facebook page.
All participants received a medal, and the winners received a trophy. The winners will advance to the state tournament sponsored by the Migrant Education Program in Bakersfield, May 5-7.
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