On March 11th and 12th La Salle’s Speech and Debate team will compete in the annual district tournament. This tournament grants individuals the opportunity to qualify to compete in the O.S.A.A State Speech and Debate Championships later this spring on April 21-23.

The district tournament will begin at 3:45 pm on Friday afternoon and continue until 10:00 pm. The second day of competition will commence at 7:45 am and conclude at 4:00 pm. The first day of competition is solely for debate events, while the second day will include a variety of both debate and speaking events. Both days of competition will be held at Beaverton High School.

“I’m nervous, but hopeful,” states junior Katie Quines regarding the upcoming competition. “I’m going to be competing in three events at districts (poetry, debate, and [extemporaneous]), which I’ve never attempted before. Plus, competition is really stiff. But I’ve had a few big wins/placed well at quite a few large tournaments this season, so I feel ready to fight my way to state”.

Senior Myriam Yao, who will be performing an original oratory speech at districts, echoes Quines’ positivity. “I feel good because I have been editing my speech throughout the year, more so than previous years, and I feel I’ve worked as hard as I can on it,” explains Yao.

Members of the Speech and Debate team have worked tirelessly during the past few months, competing in various tournaments in preparation for the upcoming district competition. Several team members in particular have excelled in recent competitions.

At the McMinnville Tournament on January 30th, junior Joseph Kreitzberg became a finalist in the original oratory category, in which one presents a rehearsed ten minute speech on a topic of one’s choice.

During the Mt. Hood Community College Tournament on February 13th, many other members of the speech team shined. Among these individuals, Anna Sandstorm, sophomore, was a finalist for dramatic interpretation. Winnie Gregory also took home first place in expository/informative speech, and 2nd place in parliamentary debate along with fellow junior, Katie Quines.

“My favorite part [of the tournaments] would probably be bonding with the team,” states Quines. “Everyone on the team is so intelligent, hilarious, and a total blast, so we have a lot of fun hanging out between events. Plus the awards ceremony at the end of the tournament is neat because it’s very rewarding to have your hard work recognized”.

“I feel that speech tournaments have a great energy,” adds Yao. “Everyone is eager to both deliver pieces and hear what others have worked on. I learn a lot in a single day.”

All of the hard work the team has put in over the past few months will accumulate as they head off to districts. Good luck to the members of the Speech and Debate team who will be competing this weekend!