Another year, another Forensics competition and this time round it was a good year for KTJ. We won the Sweepstakes Trophy (Overall Champions) again and became the first school outside ISKL to do a Debate 1-2! I had my doubts when taking part and so did Kevin but the team was amazing. Zhi Wei, Shafqat, Cher Waye and Chin Mun worked exceptionally hard for the incredibly technical resolution of 'The Actions of Corporations Ought to be Held at the Same Moral Standards as the Actions of Individuals' and their hard work paid off at the end. The opening controversy of being disqualified from the tournament actually motivated the team to go for broke and it was indeed pleasing to see the decision reversed. (In truth it was a breakdown in communication but we would just ignore that fact now) Kevin and me did not make it to the quarter-finals but we were happy with our performances. Kudos to the two Lower Sixth teams for making the quarter-finals AND knocking out two ISKL teams at the same time. I think that must have been the most satisfying moment in the whole competition, knocking out the hosts and heavy favourites AND THEN completing a 1-2 in the finals. I can't say how very very proud I am of you guys and all of you really deserve the results! People have been saying about how we have the the best debating team in KTJ history this year but seriously, like Shafqat said, 'We have National debaters, state debaters, district debaters and Kevin and Zhong'. The presence of Kevin and me were just mainly to anchor the team and provide the neccessary experience and understanding of the system. Otherwise, you guys pretty much ran the show and I am very very proud of all of you.
Other than that, Fauzana practically stole the show in this year's Solo Acting category. I've never seen a more touching piece in my life! Truly you have convinced me about the power of words. She brought tears to the audience by just sitting on a chair and talking about her (fictional) father. Her biggest action? Presenting a cup of coffee... Good or what? Seriously if I was less cold-hearted, I might have actually cried too. Believe me, it was THAT moving... Definitely going to nominate her to perform during assembly haha. Other mentions also go to Samantha and E-Quine, who both did very well in the OO and OI categories (bronze medals). I'm sure both of you will go from strength to strength and mount a stronger challenge for gold next year. KTJ is counting on you!
The Upper Sixers: Nadzra, Faiz, Joanne, Amira, Kevin and me all bowed out with our heads held high in the competition. I feel that the acting categories (Solo and Duet acting) were particularly tough this year and congratulations to the team of Nadzra and Faiz along with solo actor Amira for reaching the semi-finals this year. Though you guys were not among the finalists, I really enjoyed your performances and you have no reason not to be proud with yourself. A huge congratulations also go to Joanne who made the Impromptu finals. It was an improvement from last year and I thought you did very well in the finals despite losing out to the other contestants, true to your style and witty all the same.
A big thank you and pat on the back goes to all the other KTJ team members and staff who helped make this year's Forensics venture a success. To the contestants who did not make an impact this year, hey, there's always next year for you to try your luck again. And with this year's experience, I'm sure you'll be better prepared for next year's competition and hopefully, do our school proud. Anyhow we also thank you for all the support that you have given to the other team members through out the tournament and we couldn't have done so well without all of you! My appreciation also goes out to Mr. James Braddan, Ms. Sarah, Mr. Kenneth, Ms. Carol, Mr. Sutherland and other teachers from the ELU who took the time to coach various members of the team this year and for chaperoning us through out the 3 days. I'm sure you have been a great help to all the contestants and be assured that your efforts are very much appreciated.
Anybody who have been following this blog would know that I've had serious doubts over participating in Forensics this year. What changed my mind in the end was the enthusiasm shown by the Lower Six-ers and partly Ms. Carol coaxing me to take part. In truth, I am probably not much better than whoever who didn't make it through the auditions. Ms. Carol probably tought that we needed some people in the team who had experience in the American debate system and therefore included me. I hope that my presence in the team has been beneficial and has justified my selection and decision to stay on. I can't say how pleased and proud I am of you Lower Sixers. I'm sure this success will be one that will stick in your memories forever. For Kevin and me, it is enough to be part of this historic moment in KTJ Forensics history.
The third day of Forensics was made doubly happy because of a very pleasant surprise! Thank you... I am really touched and overjoyed... After so long I didn't expect to hear from you again... Thought you would have forgotten about me by now.... Thank you... Still in euphoria because of you... Can't say how much I missed you... Really really want to see you again, no matter how impossible it might seem...
Going back this Friday for exeat and then trials next week. It's going to be a busy busy end to Term 1 and here's hoping that everything goes well... Anime Fest this weekend at MMU!! Let's see if I can get my hands on a Gundam or two... If not, catching up on some sleep will do fine. Goodness knows how much I need a break with all this stress... If things don't lighten up, I might need to see a caunselor or something... PAM!!! haha...~Zhongy~
1 comments