Well, my NCFCA days are over. I would have called you crazy if you told me three years ago that I would miss speech and debate. However, over the past two seasons I can’t think of anything I have more fun doing. I didn’t care that I had to get up at a ridiculous hour. I didn’t care that I felt so sick once I lost my breakfast. I didn’t care that I made a complete idiot out of myself over and over. I loved it. There are no words to express the thrill of wondering what case your going against or what limited prep topic you are going to draw. The adrenaline rush is amazing, and I’m not going to get that same feeling again. I know it is time to move on to a different stage in life, but it is hard to say goodbye. It is also hard to say goodbye to good friends, all the while realizing that I may never see some of them again. I can’t believe all the friends I have made over these past few years, so I would like to thank you guys for being totally awesome.
Letitia - I can’t believe I’ve really only gotten to know this spring! I have such a wonderful time talking and hanging out with you, you have become one of my best friends. I don’t know what I would have done without you at tournaments. You are an excellent debater and I was so happy you made it to Nats!
Jason - Ok, even though I’m a bit peeved that I haven’t beaten you in out-rounds this entire year, I can’t think of anyone I would rather lose to. I cannot begin to express what an awesome time I had hanging out with you for the past two years. You have mad skillz and I’m in awe.
Ian - I appreciate all the support and help you gave me this year, it was much appreciated. I can’t think of anyone who debates so differently than I do, but I have enjoyed each time we debated. I also find it very cool that we both won one of our power matched rounds against each other. It was awesome that you qualified for Nats!
Naomi - I loved hanging with you at debate and class. I loved skipping down the halls and doing very silly and stupid things with you. I think you make me feel less serious, which is a good thing. =D I wish you could have come to Nats.
Hannah - Thank you for being the kind voice to the n00bs. I think you were “good cop” and I was “bad cop.” =D I enjoyed talking with you about everything from spiritual gifts to shoes. BTW, you also have an awesome sense of humor.
Matthew - I have enjoyed getting to know you better this year. Your easygoing manner helps me realize that there is more to life than debate and there is no reason to get too uptight. I look forward to seeing you debate next year. Also, I think I should give you an award of some sort because I can’t think of anyone else I’ve had such awkward conversations with. =D
Cari - I find you quite disturbing, your love of research cannot be natural. Besides that, you had an awesome year and I enjoyed our debates. You should seriously stick with LD. Congrats on the speaker award!
MaryBeth - First, I want to say that you did an awesome job in the final round! Second, I want to thank you for inspiring me to use literature examples in impromptu. I know I wouldn’t have gotten to where I was without the times I talked to you between rounds... you also have made me want to read “Death of a Salesman.” =D
James - I worry about your abnormally high intake of caffeine. However, I’m impressed that you could still debate while ODed on that Redline stuff. I think you need to get professional help.
Rachel - I had such an awesome time hanging with you at Annapolis! I can’t wait to see you own LD in the next few years.
Philip - Although I pity you for your poor choice in favorite movies, =D I have enjoyed our discussions from Hitchcock to Tolstoy. Your wealth of knowledge is amazing, and I hope you have a great time at college.
Katie and Kelly - For policy people you are super cool. I wish I got to know you better this year. You both rock.
Stephen - You are a nut...but a very fun nut. I still refuse to wear my watch face on the inside of my wrist.
Marianna, Dan, Peter, Christina, Emily L, Cara, Gregory, Andrew O, Daniel, Sarah J, Sam, Lydia, Ahna, Melody, Ellie,
R10 ppl: Josiah, Hannah, Hayley, and Sarah
