Alyssa Makena debated LD for 4 years at Valley High School in Iowa. She qualified for the Tournament of Champions with two bids and was consistently in Elim rounds. Championing the Iowa Forensic League State Tournament in Varsity, The Delores Arthur Taylor Invitational, reaching quarter-finals at the New York City Invitational, and qualifying to Nationals in Policy. Alyssa’s argumentation in debate focused on anti-Blackness, African Diaspora, and Black feminist literature. Outside of debate, Alyssa enjoys watching Scooby-Doo (Mystery Incorporated), listening to music, and karaoke. She attended NSD twice and is excited to return as an instructor!