The “Greatest Show” rolled into Corvallis Friday afternoon when the high school hosted the Class A State Speech, Debate and Drama Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
‘It is an honor to host the Class A schools and to welcome our colleagues from around the state,” said Doug McConnaha, in his 29th year of coaching speech and debate at Corvallis High School. “This is the fifth state tournament we’ve hosted in Corvallis since 2000. The entire tournament depends on the hundreds of hours of volunteer judging provided by the supportive community of the Bitterroot Valley.”
More than 400 individuals volunteered to judge the tournament. Judy Hessert, in her 12th year of judging, said she is always impressed with the quality of the work from the high school students.
“They are informed, articulate, passionate and just fun to be around,” Hessert said. “Their speaking and drama skills that they demonstrate at the meets are phenomenal. These kids will go far with their speaking abilities.”
The tournament had more than 350 entries, and students from across the state enjoyed seeing the beautiful Bitterroot Valley.
Trevor Blackburn, a competitor from Ronan, displayed his skills in Impromptu and Humorous Interpretation.
“I enjoy meeting new people as well as the different performances you can do for Impromptu,” Blackburn said. “There is a lot of creative thinking you have to do for each speech that you give and it’s with a short amount of prep time, so it makes things interesting.”
He said it taught him that it is okay to be flamboyant, to let his charisma shine through, and to have fun.
Zara Iwin from Dawson County competed in Humorous Duo.
“It has taught me how to leave the comfort zone,” she said. “I love traveling across Montana and seeing all these people.”
Naomi Matta from Sydney competed in Public Forum Debate.
“It has taught me how to speak in public, and how to have fun,” Matta said.
The state tournament wrapped up competition that began in October. Complete results will be in next week’s Ravalli Republic.
To support the event, the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce sent 66 blue bags full of coupons from area merchants, maps, and treats for visiting coaches.