York Family
Scott and Mary York have been married since 1979 and they began their homeschool journey in 1995. They graduated and successfully launched all 7 of their children from their homeschool program. When they graduated their youngest in 2020 they officially completed 26 years of homeschooling and 21 years of participation in the crown jewel of their homeschooling efforts, competitive speech and debate. Forensics (competitive speech and debate) was the most influential program they participated in with their children. They are looking forward to continuing to volunteer their time and efforts to help new families reach success in this venture.
Arroyave Family
Alex and Susan have two sons who were Homeschooled since their oldest, who is now a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University, was in the 2nd grade. The Arroyaves started their Stoa journey in 2013 and both sons who have qualified for NITOC in LD and several other events every year.
Susan is a credentialed teacher and administrator (25+ years). Alex’s claim to fame is being known as Susan’s husband and Nathaniel and Benjamin’s dad.
Favorite event: some of the older wildcard events.
Hosmer Family
Steve and Monique Hosmer have been married for 31 years, and have 4 children: Nathaniel, Brianna, Adria, and Erica.
They started in Stoa 9 years ago. Steve has served as the president of 2 separate STOA clubs for the past 6 years. His experience includes coaching and judging highschool speech and debate, and is a professional judge on the college circuit (NPDA, BP, IPDA). His primary job is serving as the CFO of a public company. He also serves as an adjunct professor in communications at Point Loma Nazarene, and speaks frequently for work, ministry and other events in person, on television and radio. Steve serves as Ex Nihilo’s Lead Debate Coach and Tournament Director in addition to Club President.
Monique has enjoyed growing as a coach in Speech and Debate, first with her own children, then with increasing roles in club coaching, tournament ballot return, and is now the club’s Lead Speech Coach. Her focus is interp, blocking, and creating audience connection.
Weld Family
Andy and Emily Weld have been homeschooling their 4 children (elementary to high school) since 2010. Emily, a 2nd generation homeschooler, was introduced to competitive speech and debate in the early 2000s when asked to be a community judge for a local competition. After marrying Emily, Andy was also recruited into community judging, by the Yorks. Both realized the value in teaching and consistently practicing good communication and thoughtful argumentation skills as we train our children to engage in this world. Andy, being a sports guy, appreciates the competitive nature and team camaraderie developed in the club and tournament environment which can be highly motivating to students. The Welds help out more on the speech side of things or wherever needed. Andy serves as Club Secretary and head Platform Speech Coach, and Emily serves in both coaching and hospitality.
Hodge Family
Susanna is excited to join the Ex Nihilo team by primarily serving in Hospitality and with the little ones this year. She has been homeschooling her 6 children for 12 years and is grateful for the ways Speech and Debate has enhanced her spiritual and educational efforts at home.
Ben started with the club in 2019 and has been active in Lincoln Douglas, Extemp, and Apologetics. His background is in business/finance as a corporate pension consultant for the last 14 years. Before his business career he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene and Liberty School of Business, respectively.
Halfpap Family
Josh and Jessica Halfpap are entering their 4th year with Ex Nihilo and 12th year of homeschooling. Both military veterans, Josh recently retired from the Navy Medical Service Corps and is currently teaching for Bowling Green State University, while Jessica enjoys the ever-changing challenges of homeschool life. The Halfpaps have five children, three competing in speech and debate this year, one with high hopes for continued novice-track opportunities, and one preschooler who takes the stage often. Josh serves as the club’s lead Team Policy Debate Coach, and Jessica assists with speech coaching, junior track, and club communication and administration. Their family would encourage you to come check it out!