Saratoga students are top debaters
Two Saratoga High School students were among the 4% of students from across the country who qualified for the 2023 National Speech and Debate Tournament held in Phoenix, AZ in June.
Junior Kinnera Potluri qualified for the first time in the humorous interpretation category after placing third in the California Coastal District Tournament last spring.
In his second time qualifying for the tournament, Junior Timothy Leung placed eighth as a semifinalist in program oral interpretation with his speech titled, “Tell My Story.” His speech encourages victims of child molestation to break through cultural or family norms of remaining silent, and do what is necessary for them to heal. Timothy has been an advocate for victims to heal through art and spoke on this topic during Saratoga High School’s “Speak Up for Change” event in January.
Also attending the tournament was Jenny Cook, Saratoga High School’s new speech and debate coach. A National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame inductee with over 32 years of coaching experience, Cook is the founder and executive director of Summit Debate, one of the largest summer programs for speech and debate in the nation. She has coached five national champions, 16 national finalists and numerous semifinalists in all events at tournaments throughout the country.
CAA co-founder honored
Dr. Pamela Lindsay, co-founder of the Saratoga-based College of Adaptive Arts, is among the 2024 AARP Purpose Prize Award winners and fellows, recognizing people over age 50 who have made a significant impact in their communities. Lindsay was recognized as a Fellow for her efforts to expand collegiate education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information, visit https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/purpose-prize/fellows/info-2023/pamela-lindsay.html.
