Jersey Village High School senior Nasim Aleem was named state champion in the Program Oral Interpretation competition at the Texas Forensic Association State Championship.

March 26, 2024—Jersey Village High School senior Nasim Aleem was named state champion in the Program Oral Interpretation (POI) competition at the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Championship held on March 7-9 at the Houston Marriott Westchase.

Thirteen students representing seven CFISD high schools finished as state quarterfinalists or semifinalists at TFA State. To qualify for the state tournament, students were required to earn 10 points at invitational TFA tournaments between August and February.

“Nasim began this process in June after he finished 14th in the nation with his program from last year,” said Ian Etheridge, Director of Speech and Debate at Jersey Village High School. “He began to gather literature throughout the summer and put together the rough draft for camp in July. Throughout the year, Nasim has worked tirelessly analyzing feedback from judges, editing his program, and working to perfect each moment.”

Using selections from prose, poetry, and drama, students create a 10-minute performance around a central theme. The POI competition is designed to test a student’s ability to intersplice multiple types of literature into a single, cohesive performance.

“I am beyond blessed,” said Nasim. “Receiving the opportunity to share not only my story but also the stories of many others who have shared similar experiences is something I will always be grateful for. To me, this triumph is more than just a first-place trophy; it’s a requiem, highlighting the lost stories of power, pain, and triumph that others have not only lived through but will always have to live with. To me, this is our win.”

The TFA hosts this prestigious state tournament each year which is the largest state speech and debate tournament in the United States.

“This is Nasim’s way to express advocacy for a topic that is personal to him as he tries to make sure there is room for all voices to be heard,” Etheridge said. “He has been working for this moment for the last three years and I’m so glad this is where his journey took him. He is so deserving of this championship.”

The following CFISD students finished as state quarterfinalists or semifinalists at the TFA State Championship: