Mackinac tournament grows to nearly 210 students across eight events

There is nothing quite like a beautiful weekend on Mackinac Island, and we were fortunate enough to have just that, both inside the historic Grand Hotel and outside around the island! We are excited that this year the tournament grew to nearly 210 students, representing 22 different schools from around the state, competing in one of the 8 events: 90’s Song Lyric Impromptu, Newsroom, Holiday Mini Multiple, Progressive Debate, Poetry Slam, Program Oral Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, and Film Analysis.

The tournament this year tabulated predominantly through online ballots on Tabroom.com, offering paper ballots only for those who requested them specifically, and our TAB staff found this shift to work effectively and efficiently. The tournament ran on time throughout the day and had no major hiccups! Many students commented on how much fun they were having, and judges and coaches throughout the day were smiling and enjoying the different events that this year’s tournament offered. A great time was had by all! We look forward to seeing the Mackinac Tournament continue to grow in future years as we continue to build a strong and vibrant speech community state-wide.

2023 Mackinac Tournament Champions

• 90’s Song Lyric Impromptu — Farah Kavarana, Walled Lake Western

• Newsroom — Daniel Sturdy & Avi Stotz-Ghosh, Portage Central

• Holiday Mini Multiple — Carter Barnes, Brynnica Thrash, Riley VanDeVelde, Lauren Fulton & Seth Taylor, Portage Central

• Progressive Debate — Adyn Skowronski, Dexter

• Poetry Slam — Sam Kerby, Portage Central

• Program Oral Interpretation — Madison Sturgeon, Portage Northern

• Humorous Interpretation — Avery Beeman, Grass Lake

• Film Analysis — Crow Wisdom, UAIS

Full results from the 2023 Mackinac tournament →

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, October 2023.