TITLE: Congratulating the Mendoza Debate Society at Lee College for winning the 2016 IPDA National Community College Debate Championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Mendoza Debate Society at Lee College for winning the 2016 IPDA National Community College Debate Championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Mendoza Debate Society of Lee College has added to its impressive record of success by winning the International Public Debate Association National Community College Debate Championship for the third year in a row; and WHEREAS, The top-ranked debate program in Texas for the 2015-2016 IPDA season, the Mendoza Debate Society delivered the highest-scoring performance in the 19-year history of the championship, capping a season that brought the team more than 150 awards; the debaters were also named Season Long Community College Champions, and Joe Ganakos, Lee College director of forensics, was recognized as 2016 IPDA Bennett Strange Coach of the Year; and WHEREAS, Led by captains Kyle Diamond and Rigo Ruiz, the debate society earned an all-time record for points in the Team Division National Championship, while members Emmanuel Perez and Josh Lyrock placed third; Jerry McCauley was named 2015-2016 IPDA Junior Varsity National Champion, while Mr. Diamond was the Varsity Division National Runner-Up and National Championship Tournament Varsity Finalist; and WHEREAS, These gifted young debaters have exhibited remarkable skill, drive, and determination, and they have earned great distinction for themselves, their school, and the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Mendoza Debate Society of Lee College on winning the 2016 IPDA National Community College Debate Championship and extend to the team's members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Mendoza Debate Society as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Cain Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 453 was adopted by the House on March 2, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House