The Victoria West Warrior Speech and Debate Team competed at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Gulf Coast District Tournament and National Tournament Qualifier this weekend in El Campo and qualified three students to compete at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky from June 12-17, 2022.
“This was certainly a happy surprise to have this many qualify for Nationals,” said James Cox, Speech and Debate Coach. “I am tremendously proud of these students and their accomplishments this year. Coming from almost nothing last year to where we are now is a feat, but having three students qualify is mind-boggling. It’s my first trip to Nationals, and I’m absolutely happy about our successes.”
Students’ results are below.
Policy Debate
Lauren Montgomery, freshman, and Emily Kempfer, junior, placed third in District. They are alternates to the National Speech and Debate Tournament.
Big Questions Debate
Gage Majefski, senior, champion. Majefski earned a bid to the National Speech and Debate Tournament.
Extemporaneous Debate earned two national tournament entries to be filled by Lauren Montgomery, freshman, and Emily Kempfer, junior.
In addition, VWHS principal Paul Fleener was awarded the Gulf Coast District's Administrator of the Year. Fleener will compete for the award at the National level during the National Tournament.
Congressional Debate (House)
Jackson Quimby, freshman, tied for 29th
Cekay Foster, sophomore, tied for 20th
Congressional Debate (Senate)
Montgomery, tied for 10th
Kempfer, placed sixth
United States Extemporaneous Speaking
Afnaan Nusayr, freshman, finished in a tie for 20th Place
Analiese Umphres, freshman, finished in 22nd Place
Policy Debate
Sophie Quimby, freshman, tied for fourth place
Olivia Scavo, freshman, tie for fourth place
Big Questions Debate
Cekay Foster, sophomore, tied for 10th Place.
Congratulations, we are #VISDProud and look forward to Nationals in June!
About NSDA
The National Speech & Debate Association was created in 1925 to provide recognition and support for students participating in speech and debate activities.