NFL Nationals was Fantastic!

Great news

Brandon Blount and Lacey Lowers made it passed Prelims in Public Forum only to lose to the eventual Semifinalists.  They picked up the nine of twelve prelim ballots needed to advance and continued for two more rounds. 

Eric First and Alexia Ash lost a run off round to break in PF but then were invited to compete in International Public Forum.  They competed against US teams and teams from Zimbabwe, Argentina and Haiti.  Eric and Alexia advanced all the way to the final round in the US division, losing to South Dakota in a 2 – 1 decision.  Zimbabwe went on to win the International division dropping only one ballot in the whole tournament – yes you guessed it – that ballot was to Eric and Alexia in the prelims.  So after 15 rounds of debating, Eric and Alexia came home with a finalist trophy in International Public Forum, placing 2^nd overall. 

Both teams were also recognized for their breaking or near breaking in the regular division of PF.  See the picture with their Jefferson and Junior Jefferson cups. 

Unfortunately, Natasha Jubert did not break in Original Oratory but had some good prelims scores including a 2^nd place in one round. 

In addition – boy did we have a great trip.  On the first full day we took a day trip to Hershey Pennsylvania and visited Chocolate World and Hershey Park.  On the second to last day, when all the debating was finally done, we took a day trip to New York City.  We ate at a deli in Times Square, went to Ellis Island, saw the Statue of Liberty up close and personal, ate some NY pizza and saw a Broadway play, “The Producers”.  On the last day we finally walked the few short blocks to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall before jumping back on the plane.  What an action packed trip!

Deli Deluxe, even Alexia couldn't finish	Ok, this is not the real one, but so what.	On the ferry to Ellis Island.	Lacey is a Twizzler Height.
Took all week, but we finally saw it!	PF, Winners all!	Eric thinks he's as tall as a bear.	What a great place.