by Danielle Carr, ’18

As the Speech and Debate Program nears the last few national tournaments, we’ve reflected on this past year’s accomplishments and are looking forward to what next season holds. The team has seen success in nearly every tournament, local and national, and hopes to see the same type of results in the upcoming NCFL  (National Catholic Forensics League) and NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) tournaments. Those who we will be sending to these competitions represent the best from the team and will compete with other top competitors. The success we’ve had over the past three years could not have happened without Dr. Alexandra Sencer, head of the Speech department, who gave everything for the program. She has brought different events and tournaments to Cary Academy, and has dedicated her time to coach everyone individually. Dr. Sencer genuinely cares about every person on the team, and reminds us often that, although winning is fun, speech is about “giving voice to the voiceless”.  Next year, the program will carry on without her, but she has permanently changed the class for the better. Dr. Sencer will be missed by everyone in the Cary Academy Speech and debate community, but her legacy will live on through the Speech and Debate Program.