The RHS Speech and Debate team came home victorious last weekend.

Juinors Grace Zhong, Amanda Wong, and Kelly Jiang received trophies at theCapitol Valley State Qualifiers and will represent the greater Sacramento area at the state competition in San Francisco.

“It’s a lot of work, but I’m glad I made it to state – especially because I’m going with friends,” said Zhong.

Grace Zhong competed in Expository Speaking, where participants use self-made posters and props to inform their audiences. She spoke about introversion and how it can actually promote success. Zhong received 5th place for her successful delivery and use of art.

Kelly Jiang competed in Original Oratory. In this event, speakers write their own personalized speeches. She wrote about the teenage brain and how their development effects their decisions and actions. Her light-hearted tone impressed the judges to where they gave her 2nd place.

Fellow speaker and team manager Jessica Rodriguez said “I think it’s so exciting that Kelly made it, especially with all the effort she put it. The best part about people going to state is that it really rallies the team together.”

Amanda Wong received 4th place for her Humerous interpretation. She performed “Junie B. Jones has a Peep In Her Pocket” by Barbara Park. Humerous interpretation is a category where entries take pieces from written works and perform them as one-person plays.

“This is my first year, so I didn’t really know how I would do…I am so happy and proud to make it to state. It’s such an honor,” she said.

The three will represent both Rocklin and the greater Sacramento area at the state competition this April.