Hundreds of speakers expected for major meet

Between 400 and 500 students from 20 high schools around the state are expected to descend on Flathead High School this weekend for a major speech and debate tournament.

The Montana National Forensic League District Qualifier Speech and Debate tournament starts at 2 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday at Flathead High School.

An awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in the school auditorium.

The tournament is open to all class levels. Teams may bring a certain number of entries based on success and size.

There will be six speech categories and three debate categories plus Student Congress.

The National Forensic League meet is different from regular Montana High School Association tournaments, according to Shannon O’Donnell, head coach for Flathead speech and debate.  

She said this tournament is more about individual success because those who qualify will have the chance to compete at the national tournament in Birmingham, Ala., June 16 through 21.

All judging slots have been filled for the meet.

“On Monday evening, we still needed to fill 100 judging slots and as of yesterday afternoon, we filled all of them,” judge coordinator Wendy Putzler said in an email Wednesday. “We live in such an amazing community — a huge thank you to everyone for all of their help.”