Great Bend High School will host a national qualifying speech tournament, April 20-21. Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for the tournament.
Marissa Hoisington, copresident of the GBHS forensics team, said the tournament will take place from 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 20, and from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Saturday, April 21, with the final round starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers may judge one or more rounds on either or both days.
Schools will send the “best of their best” for this tournament, Hoisington said. Those who place first or second will be qualified for the National Forensics League’s national tournament, June 10-15 in Indianapolis, Ind. The NFL is not-for-profit honorary society created to promote and enhance speech and debate education.
For each round, five to seven contestants will each make a 10-minute presentation. There will be events in public speaking, acting and extemporaneous speaking. Three judges will hear each presentation and their scores will be combined.
No previous experience is needed to be a judge, Hoisington said. There will be an optional clinic for judges at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the high school.
To volunteer, contact GBHS speech and debate coach Barbara Watson at the high school, 793-1521, ext. 201.