Even before the tournament is concluded, here are the preliminary and final results of both divisions:
 
Click here and look at the bottom of the page.
 

In Tier 1, Host city Petoskey's negative defeated Zion Christian's affirmative in the final round. Petoskey is the State Champ!
 
In Tier 2, Portage Northern's Affirmative lost to Dexter's Negative in one semi-final and Traverse City Central's Aff prevailed over Midland HH Dow's neg in the other semifinal.
 

As of the new year, MIFA will have a new phone number.  734-352-7401 (or 734-FLASH-01)
 
Please start using it now. The old number will still be in use until December 31, but after the new year, it is gone. This is a change brought about in an attempt to make phone service both more reliable and accessible on tournament dates.
 

We hear a good deal about how people are not aware of changes and deadlines in MIFA. The easiest and surest way to avoid being left out of the information loop is take some personal initiative and get signed up for the MIFA Forums. That is where all pertinent information is posted first and it stays there so it can be accessed again later if you need to.
 
Signing up is pretty simple. Do it to be sure you have done all you can to complete the communication loop.

Middle Level has two tournaments a year. They are marked by high turn out and high enthusiasm. Fall 2011-2012 results available themifa.org/content/leg-debate-state-tournament-2011-2012
 
The Original Interpretation contest is uniquely about the interpretation of a student's own original work in poetry and prose.
 

In a 2-1 decision, Midland HH Dow defeated Dexter for the Novice Policy Debate title for 2011-12 at Dexter High School on Saturday December 3.
 
The Championship team consisted of Joyce Chu, Kyle Cushman, Sean Cushman, Alec Davis, Clare Elwell, William Kruper, Bridget Lawate, Andrew Malecki,  Vikram Shanker,  Kayla Stryker,  and Josh Zhao.

We are moving to an online test for re-certification this year. Our target date is January 15 to have this up and running.
 
We mised that date, but the beta will be ready for Committee testing on or about January 22.
 

Those of you who have looked at bylaws know that we are obliged to have one Superintendent on our Coucnil and one Principal. It has been a while since we have had either, but as a result of a volunteer stepping forward, and by act of the Michigan Association of School Administrators, we are happy to receive the appointment of Brian Davis, Superintendent of Schools in Holland, MI.
 

In time for us to shape our budget for next year, MIFA received a check today for $10,000. Video here: 
www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150225932922608

While MIFA cannot and does not endorse nor denounce any candidate's attempt to reach public office, it IS within our mission to show how debate enhances self-confidence and teaches young people how to advocate for what they believe.