On Oct. 12, the Gabrielino Screamin’ Eagles Speech and Debate Team hosted their annual Gab Gab Gab tournament. The Screamin’ Eagles team competed alongside neighboring teams from across Southern California, marking this year’s invitational as the largest, with over 500 entries. 

Competitors entered either the novice or varsity division of Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Declamation, Original Oratory, Original Advocacy, Original Prose and Poetry, Extemporaneous, Expository, or Program Oral Interpretation

The Screamin’ Eagles soared with over 55 students breaking into the final round and placing first through sixth. 

Freshmen Koby Khu and Tyler Diep performed their Duo Interpretation piece for the first time at Gab Gab Gab. 

“It was pretty fun and it was nice to see different duo [topic] possibilities in this event.” Khu commented. 

They placed second in Novice Duo Interpretation, an event where two students perform a dramatic or humorous piece. Khu and Diep’s Duo centered their performance on immature humor, framed into a montage.

“I think it’s easier to perform with an audience and your duo because they are looking at both of you and not just you,” Diep added. 

Junior Kayley Thai, an event leader for Dramatic Interpretation, placed second in Varsity Declamation (OI) and third in Varsity Dramatic Interpretation (DI). OI is an event where one performs a speech that was delivered previously. DI can be nonfiction or fiction, where you bring someone else’s experience to life through blocking, strategic movement or positioning, and emotion. 

Thai’s OI was about rape laws and war negotiations.

“Being able to perform my OI again was refreshing, and it felt good to be back since I was focused on Nationals,” Thai added. 

Thai’s DI focused on human trafficking in Cambodia. 

 “DI gives people the outlet to express themselves while being able to convey an important and significant message about the topic and OI is more formal and there is not as much freedom with your performance, allowing you to educate more than performing,” Thai continued.

As DI Event Leader, Thai was satisfied with those who advanced into the final round. 

“I was so proud of all the Novices and JV’s that broke into the final round,” Thai added with a smile. “The energy was amazing because everyone was so happy to see how their hard work had paid off.” 

Senior Sofia Villagra, an event leader for Extemporaneous, placed first in Original Advocacy (OA), an event focused on proposing a legislative solution for a state or national issue. Villagra’s OA is about how Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) hasn’t properly maintained their powerline infrastructure causing numerous wildfires. 

“It was pretty crazy; I’m glad I did well and people liked it, but I’m also glad I had the opportunity to talk about this issue and advocate for those who are under Pacific Gas and Electric and educate others about this issue,” Villagra said. 

Villagra was triple entered in OA, Extemporaneous, and Duo Interpretation with her partner, Veena Sundaramoorthy.

“This tournament was so special and so chaotic, but I had a lot of fun.” Villagra concluded.