This weekend, the Speech and Debate team is competing for a shot at the NSDA District Tournament. Teams from across Oklahoma will gather, all fighting for a chance to represent the state at the National Speech and Debate Tournament this summer.

“The special thing is that it’s a qualifier for the big national tournament in the summer,” Drama teacher Brett Young said. “These students are going up against some of the best in the state for a chance to compete at the highest level.”

The team will be hosting the tournament.

“I hope that as hosts every school goes away with a good experience from our campus and our school,” Young said.

Young added that the team is excited to face the challenge of districts. Junior McKellyn Johnson competes in the Original Oratory category.

“I’m most excited to compete against different schools because normally we only compete against 5A but districts are everyone,” Johnson said.

There is also an opportunity to reconnect with old friends for seasoned team members.

“I’m really excited to see my speech friends from across the state,” senior Kylee Hart said.

For many team members, the tournament will be an opportunity to learn.

“I’m always excited and very happy for them if they make Nationals, but it’s a hard battle,” Young said. “So I just want them to do their very best and just get better.”

Next, the team will compete in the Regional Tournament at the end of March. Later, they will move on to State in April.