Havre speech and debate does well at divisional

Press release

Havre High School's small speech and debate team did well at the Class A eastern Montana speech, debate and drama divisional tournament in Sidney Friday and Saturday, with three of the five competitors qualifying for Class A state by placing in the top 12 in their event and the last two qualifying as alternate competitors.

First-year policy debate team Malachi Morris and Ishaan Vickas, both freshmen, brought home divisional medals, taking fourth place in their event.

Sophomore Paige Anderson, a second-year Blue Pony speaker in her first full year in impromptu speaking, just missed breaking into the top eight to go to the finals round and earn a divisional medal. Anderson, who received some top marks in impromptu - one of the largest, most competitive events at the tournament - ended up in ninth place, earning her a berth at state.

Junior Trinity Olsen and sophomore Lyvia Little, both second-year Havre competitors in their first year in Lincoln-Douglas debate, just missed qualifying for state. Little took 13th in Lincoln-Douglas and Olsen took 14th, slating them as first and second alternate for state in the event.

"I am proud of how these kids did," head coach Tim Leeds said. "Divisional is always tough, facing the best competitors Class A schools in the eastern half of the state have. They all got good marks and good comments from the judges."

"Now it's on to state," Leeds added. "This is the toughest tournament in regular competition every year, and I am looking forward to the Blue Ponies showing their stuff in Columbia Falls."

The Class A state tournament runs Friday and Saturday this week.