Speech and Debate Team Prepares for Upcoming Tournament

            The speech and debate team at Parkway North is practicing three days a week to prepare for their upcoming tournament at Ritenouer High School on Oct. 15-16.  The team is looking to have a good start to the season with the addition of many new underclassmen.
             “So far this year, we have much higher participation and more underclassmen joining.  That’s a very good thing for us,” said speech and debate coach Mike Hazelton.  
             The tournament will host different events for the students, including debate, speech, and theater events.  With all of the new participants at North, the speech and debate club has recently been focusing on helping those new members decide which event is best for them and in which they should compete this month’s tournament. 
             “Most of the kids end up doing debate.  North is typically known as a debate school at these tournaments,” said Hazelton. 
             The students may also choose to participate in multiple events.  Many North students decide to dedicate themselves, practice hard, and compete for all three in one day.
              The speech and debate club is always accepting new members.  They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Mr. Nilson’s room after school, and their first tournament will be held at Riteneour on Oct. 15-16.

By Renee Fleddermann