Seniors Sloan Ellis and Elsa Dodds led the Whitefish speech and debate team with first-place finishes at the Bigfork speech and debate tournament last weekend. Whitefish finished third in team points behind Columbia Falls and Polson.

Ellis earned two first-place finishes in both impromptu speaking and original oratory. Dodds took first place in extemporaneous speaking.

“Bulldog speakers are peaking at the right point in the season as Whitefish hosts the divisional speech and debate tournament Jan. 25,” said Coach Gary Carmichael.

Sophomore Sam Benkelman took second place in expository.

The team of Madison Grady and Jordan Reese placed fifth in policy debate. Abigal Belcher placed eighth in extemporaneous.

Whitefish hosts the divisional speech, debate and drama tournament on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for the tournament. A short judges clinic will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 in the high school library. There will be “judging made easy” help sheets at both the clinic and tournament.

To sign up, visit the high school website at whs.wsd44.org or call 862-8650, ext 342.