It’s an honor for those who qualified to attend the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament, but now’s the time to find the funding to pay for it.
Thirteen students from the Green River High School Speech and Debate team qualified for nationals at the Windriver District tournament in March and they are now trying to raise $16,500 to pay for the trip to and from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., June 17-23, which is where nationals is scheduled to take place this year.
“Qualifying for this tournament is considered the pinnacle of forensics achievement and is the dream of every speech and debate competitor,” head coach Carina White said.
“To qualify for the honor of being invited to this competition, a student must place first or second in their event at the annual district tournament.”
White said less than 4 percent of those at the tournament qualify. Some high school speech and debate members try all four years and never qualify for nationals.
“At Nationals, students and coaches alike get the chance to compete against, and learn from, the best competitors in the country,” she said. “They take these lessons back to their teams where everyone benefits. Additionally, they are able to compete for large scholarships and other awards.”
It’s also a way for students to meet college recruiters. Usually, there are numerous booths with college recruiters ready to talk with the students.
“Participation at the National Tournament is a great addition to any student’s college or scholarship application and, perhaps more than anything else, will provide a memory these kids will carry with them the rest of their lives,” she said. “Attendance at this tournament helps students to grow and learn about their craft in ways that will carry over into competition the following season.”
Fundraisers
The rummage sale is scheduled to take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Golden Hour Senior Center.
If someone would like to donate items they can contact White at (307) 871-7208. She said a simple call or text would be just fine. The team will is accepting any gently used items with the exception of clothing.
White said the team is hoping to raise about $1,000 at the rummage sale, which should be 100 percent profit with all of the items for sale being donated.
Also at the rummage sale, is the Snack Shak which has partnered with the team to sell snow cones and other goodies with a portion of the proceeds going back to the team.
The team is also selling raffle tickets for a guided float trip down the Green River that was donated by Dan Parson, who coaches speech and also is a fairly famous fly fishing guide that is sought out by celebrities. In addition to the float trip, Parson has partnered with Sportsman Warehouse who donated a fly rod/reel combo valued at more than $200. This makes the entire package worth more than $700. Tickets are for sale for $10 a piece or six for $50. The team will have a table set up at the Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo in Green River June 2 and they will announce the winner at the rodeo. If anyone would like to purchase a ticket, they are available in advance or at the rodeo.
Text or call White at (307) 871-7208 for more information on the tickets.
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