Four students will be attending the Speech and Debate National Tournament in Dallas, Texas from June 12-20.

Senior Fargo Tbakhi qualified in Dramatic Interpretation,  junior Roman Shemakov in International Extemporaneous Speaking, and sophomores Erin Granillo-Walker and Emily Wescott in Policy Debate.

The students qualified by competing in a national qualifying tournament March 26-28.

The top three finishers in each event were given the opportunity to advance to Nationals.

Tbakhi finished first in Drama, an event where the individual performs a ten-minute dramatic piece.

“This has been a really good year for Speech and Debate,” Tbakhi said.  “It’s been an honor to work with everyone.”

Tbakhi has been successful all season, notably winning in both Drama and Impromptu Speaking at State.

Shemakov finished third in International Extemp, where the performer has 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech addressing an international topic using files they have compiled.

“I had to miss the All-City tennis tournament in order to attend Nat Quals, but I am glad I did,” Shemakov said.  “I am really excited about Dallas.”

Granillo-Walker and Wescott finished fifth in Policy Debate, but three teams dropped out, allowing them to attend Nationals.

“I am very excited for Nationals.  It is such an honor to qualify as a sophomore and go with my teammates,” Granillo-Walker said.

The tournament gives students the chance to meet and learn from students across the country.

“I am looking forward to seeing the types of argumentation from across the U.S. and meeting other debaters.  In addition, I am excited to try some new techniques.”

In Policy, teams of two students debate a topic centered around the U.S. federal government.  Rounds last at least two hours.

“I am very excited to go to Nationals in order to show off everything I’ve learned this year for debate” said Wescott.

Students are raising funds to pay for the trip.  In addition, an anonymous donation of $520 has been received. Tbakhi is also starring in a one-man show, “RFK,” on May 7th and 8th in the drama room. All profits go to help pay for Nationals. Tickets are $6, along with an option to donate further. There is an online account to donate.

Along with advisor Tim Cornwell and two other chaperones, students will travel to Dallas for a week in mid-June for the competition.