MOORE — The Westmoore High School speech and debate team sent 12 students to compete at the National Forensic League District Tournament held on the campus of The University of Oklahoma March 7-9.
During the three-day tournament, high school students from across the state competed in competitive acting, public speaking and debating events for the honor to represent Oklahoma at the National Speech and Debate Tournament to be held this summer.
Westmoore High School speech and debate student Buddy Wren was acknowledged as the District Student of the Year for embodying the NFL Code of Honor: Integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service. Nominees also must demonstrate strong academic credentials and a commitment to the speech and debate community. In addition to student of year, Westmoore High School students qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in the following events were:
· Duo Interpretation — Annie Shell and Buddy Wren
· Dramatic Interpretation — Brooke Potter
· International Extemp — Charles Outlaw and Jude Birkenholz
· Humorous Interpretation — first alternate- Samantha Manning.
“Going to nationals once again is such a blessing. Through speech and debate I have learned so much about the art of performing, and it’s such a privilege to compete with an amazing duo partner at the national level. It is the experience of a lifetime,” Wren said.
The National Speech and Debate Tournament will be held this summer in Birmingham, Ala. Funds will be needed to send the Westmoore High School speech and debate team qualifiers. Those interested in donating to the fund, can contact Brett Young at Westmoore High School.
“Going to the national tournament this summer is the culmination of an entire career of high school competitive acting and debate that has been exceptional, and educational,” International Extemp first place qualifier, Charles Outlaw, said. “I am so very grateful for this opportunity made possible by all those who have surrounded me and equipped me for it.”
