Speech and Debate Coach and Videographer Jacob Marino plans to take a team of three broadcasting students to speech and debate nationals to capture moments of the competition. After getting hired by the President of the National Speech and Debate Association, Marino kicked his team into gear on their most challenging project yet. 

“We have to create three videos within a week,” Marino said. 

Another challenge for the broadcasting crew will be the demanding schedule of nationals. 

“The individual events are happening across multiple high schools in the Richmond area,” Marino said. “So we’re going to have to travel from school to school constantly throughout this week to get footage, and then once we’ve got the footage, by the time the evening comes we have to start editing it immediately.”

Junior Seth Brown is attending Nationals as a part of the video team, and he has high hopes for filming. 

“It was pretty lucky they wanted to start using students to make the videos,” Brown said. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to film at this high of a level and to be trusted with it.”

Although there will be unpredictable challenges, Brown and the team have a plan to minimize obstacles at the competition. 

“We are making shortlists and ideas so we are prepared when we get there,” Brown said. “There will be a lot to learn on this job, so many challenges might come up. We don’t really know what will happen yet.” 

Brown believes this broadcasting opportunity can benefit everyone involved.  

“This will really show what we are capable of to colleges and the responsibility we will have,” Brown said. “I’m hoping this will expand our broadcasting program to new students and show how fun it can really be.” 

Eleven BMCHS students have qualified for Speech and Debate Nationals, which will be held in June in Richmond, Va.