Students will have to raise money for trip

Speech and debate competition is over for most Flathead Valley high school students, but for the 11 who will compete at the National Forensic League national tournament in June, the hard work is just beginning.

Flathead High head coach Kala Lougheed estimates the trip to Kansas City, Mo., will cost about $8,000 for the five qualifiers and coaches from her team.

Greg Adkins, Glacier High’s head coach, expects the coaches and six qualifiers from his team likewise will need to raise about $8,000.

Students have to raise the entire amount, Adkins said.

“One hundred percent of it we raise. We don’t use any of the existing budget,” he said.

Fundraising efforts will pay for air fare, meals, hotels, car rentals and registration fees at the national meet, which takes place June 13 through 18, Lougheed said.

“The community has, even in times of hardship, always supported the national qualifiers in their competition as representatives of our school and state, and I have faith that they will do the same this year,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have a community that is so supportive of competitive speech and debate and that helps these competitors represent us, which we know they will do incredibly well,” she added.

Those interested in making a tax-deductible contribution may contact Lougheed at 751-3980 or Adkins at 758-8668.