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More than 5,000 speech and debate competitors, coaches and parents made their way to the Northland to compete at Oak Park, Staley, Park Hill and Park Hill South high schools during the week of competition.

“We all thought it was one of the smoothest-run tournaments,” said Jenny Billman, coordinator of public relations for the National Forensic League. “The local hosts and everyone in Kansas City were so organized.”

The tournament gathered the nation’s top speech and debate students with as many as 300 competitors in each event. Finals were held at the KCI Expo Center.

“I’ve liked it a lot better than last year’s,” said Daniela Brady, from Helix High School in San Diego. “The tournament has been run really well.”

Kansas City previously hosted the event in 1983 and 1994, and once again had the opportunity to show off the area’s distinct personality. Preliminary results were posted at the Power & Light District, and competitors were also invited to attend a Kansas City Royal’s game.

A new tournament experience kicked off the week June 13 as competitors and coaches gathered to package 525,960 meals for earthquake survivors in Haiti as a national service project.

“The national service project was really special. It was something that everyone said we should keep doing. It just so happened that we were in K.C. and had the support to get it done,” Billman said.

For some competitors, the rounds of debate were not their only obstacle.

High temperatures and humidity throughout the week completed the authentic Kansas City experience.

“It’s been an awesome tournament. The humidity is pretty bad though,” said Maya Meisner from Helix High School.

Local competitors were well represented with Liberty’s Alexis Elliott placing fourth in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, Park Hill South’s third-place showing in Public Forum Debate and Blue Springs High School’s national champions in Duo Interpretation and Poetry.

“Logistically it went very well,” said Sean Nicewaner, Liberty coach. “It was a lot different than when you go to another city because there is a lot of bonding time. We still tried to make time for a few activities together.”

LIBERTY RESULTS

- Alexis Elliott — Fourth place, United States Extemporaneous Speaking

- Jessica Gehrig — semifinalist, Student Congress

- Matt Filla — Top 30, Lincoln Douglas Debate

- Kristen Wright — Top 30, Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking

Editorial intern Ryne Dittmer can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 389-6606.

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