On Saturday, Sept. 19, GBHS English teacher Rita Prichard and the GBHS speech and debate team attended their first tournament of the year at Ponderosa High School.
   The speech and debate team is large this year, made up of 32 members, all of whom placed at the tournament.
   Ten team members went undefeated. The undefeated competitors include seniors Nashmiyeh Ali, Pradhan Bhat, Alexa Crawford, juniors Dominic De Marco, Stacey Wong, Alex Wagner, Chris Nguyen, Jessica Northam and sophomores Ishaan Gupta and Sam Holzer.
   “I do think that the quality and talent of this year is extremely high judging from the first tournament,” Ali said. “We did exceptionally well (and) I think we will do really well at (the) invitational coming up.”
   “I have really high expectations for this year’s team,” Bhat said. “Mainly because I’ve seen so many people who are talented.”
   Both Ali and Bhat are captains of the team and helped their fellow debaters prepare for the tournament.
    “We’ve got some kids who are really motivated and really enthusiastic. That’s a combination for success,” Bhat said.

New addition to the Grizzly family
   GBHS English teacher Anthony Davis had his first child at 6:31 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.  
   Judson Michael Davis, also known as Judd, weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces, is 22 inches long and has a full head of red hair. Both Judd and Davis’ wife mother are healthy.

Spring musical needs male stars
   Granite Bay High School’s musical theater is in need of talented males to star in the spring musical. Kristin Faulkner and Jim Prichard are looking for boys with positive attitudes and an interest in performing.

Inspirational assemblies
   Roger Crawford, GBHS senior Alexa Crawford’s father, spoke on Monday, Sept. 21, at an assembly for the school.   
   “Student Government wanted someone inspirational and motivating to speak at our school,” Alexa said. “I couldn’t help but bring up my dad, who inspires me each day.”
   Roger is an inspirational speaker who spoke not just about his struggle and successes of being handicapped, but about being someone who tries his best to see the good in everything.
   “My dad truly is my driving force to be someone who loves others, maintains optimism and works hard to be an encouragement to others,” Alexa said. “He is just that to me, and gives me a motivational minute each morning during breakfast.”
   Roger focused on spreading optimism.
   “I hope everyone left the assemblies knowing that challenges in their lives are going to occur no matter what,” Alexa said. “But a positive attitude and optimistic outlook is key to living a successful life.”