NCHS Speech and Debate team eyes state tournament

For the Herald
Posted 3/8/17

The Niobrara County High School speech and debate team has had a very successful season thus far.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

NCHS Speech and Debate team eyes state tournament

Posted

The Niobrara County High School speech and debate team has had a very successful season thus far. The team has attended seven tournaments and has taken home team trophies, for 1A/2A schools, from five of the seven tournaments. Team trophies aren’t awarded without the individual team members doing well in their competition events. Our team has done very well in their individual events this year.

The team has grown in numbers this year with nine competitors and a student mentor, Akila Hicks. Seniors on the team are Daniel Kruse, Nicholas Johnson and Kayce Bruegger. Juniors are, Traylin Bruegger and Gunner Eaton. Sophomores are Lily Canaday, Dani Kant, Alli McElroy, and Kylie Straugh. Senior, Daniel Kruse has placed in the top 10 in Congressional Debate at two tournaments this year, 8th at Gillette and 5th at Newcastle. Senior, Nicholas Johnson has also had a successful season with his Drama and Poetry events.  Nicholas placed 1st for Poetry at Gillette, 3rd for Poetry and 2nd for Drama at Cheyenne South, 1st for Drama and Poetry at Newcastle. The team just attended the National Speech and Debate Association national qualifying district tournament at Cheyenne East. Nicholas Johnson placed 6th for Drama out of 38 competitors from three states. 

The team is preparing to travel to Green River for the Wyoming State Speech and Debate tournament. The students have been working hard all season with coaches Cara Bandalos and Norma Langston. Cara is the platform events coach which includes three formal debate events, extemporaneous speaking, and congressional debate. Norma Langston is the interpretive coach which includes, drama, poetry, duet, and original oratory. Ms. Langston and Miss Bandalos are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that this team has put in this season to get ready to represent Niobrara County High School at the state competition. The team would like to thank the school board, administrators, transportation department, the teachers and the community for all of their support throughout this season.