The Columbia Falls speech and debate team placed first among Class A schools at the Whitefish Invitational meet on Nov. 22.

The Wildcats were led by freshman Ava Chisholm, who took first place in humorous oral interpretation, and by sophomore Mikel Knutson, with a first-place finish in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

“Our students are working hard to reach the top spots, and the level of competition in the northwest and southwest keeps us focused each week,” coach Tara Norick said.

Columbia Falls had 131 points. Hamilton took second with 77, and Stevensville was third with 65. The Wildcats travel to Corvallis for a meet on Dec. 5-6.

Columbia Falls results:

Humorous oral interpretation

Jenna Smith 4th

Jerelyn Jones 6th

Hannah Gustin 8th

Serious oral

interpretation      

Jenna Smith 4th

Estevon Torres 7th

Extemporaneous

speaking

Emily Getts 2nd

Samantha Gilk 5th

Expository speaking

Cody Phillips 5th

Improvisation

Casey Shea 4th

Henry Chisholm 6th

Original oratory 

Meredith Stolte 2nd

Emily Getts 6th

Casey Shea 7th

Ali Gould 8th

Memorized public

address      

Bre Friar 4th

Chloe Foster 7th

Joey Chester 9th

Policy debate   

Annabel Conger and Colin Norick 4th

Monique Schoech and Anna Nicosia 6th

Lincoln-Douglas debate 

Colter Norick 4th

Gabby Merrell 9th