While Glacier, Flathead and Whitefish high schools came out of the Montana District Qualifying Tournament with competitors advancing to nationals — one of them returned home as student of the year.

Flathead’s Scott O’Donnell, who is an Extemporaneous Speaking national qualifier, was honored as the West District Student of the Year during the Feb. 21-22 national qualifying tournament in Helena, which features all classes.

The award is presented to a graduating senior who exemplifies integrity, respect, humility, leadership, and service, which are the tenets of the National Speech and Debate Association’s Code of Honor according to www.speechanddebate.org. Honored students also demonstrate “strong academic credentials and a commitment to the speech and debate community.” As a district winner, O’Donnell could be selected as one of six finalists for the National Speech and Debate Association’s William Woods Tate Jr. National Student of the Year.

This marks his third year qualifying for nationals. He is also the state champion in Impromptu Speaking, National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American, Premier Distinction Award recipient, and the highest ranked National Speech and Debate Association points competitor in Montana. He also serves as a squad captain.

“Despite Scott’s tremendous competitive success, his greatest achievement is his service to the team,” Flathead Debate Coach Roy Antley wrote in a letter nominating O’Donnell. “What makes Scott so special is that he’s always willing to sacrifice his own time during practice, on the bus, or at tournaments to help others. He is always the first to volunteer and the last to leave.”

Antley also noted O’Donnell as one of the team’s strongest mentors and has volunteered many hours to help underclassmen, fundraise for the team and help set up at tournaments whether it’s toting tubs around or uploading files.

“Scott has given back to his team far more than he has taken,” Antley wrote.

Other national qualifiers for Flathead are Braden Anderson and Evan Sevaly, Policy Debate; Eva Bruce, Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Jonah Love and Jasmine Anderson, Humorous Interpretation; and Kianna Storm, Congressional Debate.

Glacier’s national qualifiers include: Hannah Nikunen and Joe Schlegel, Public Forum Debate; Simon Roston, Lincoln-Douglas Debate;

Sydney Fletcher, Oratory; Jarrod Wutke, Dramatic Interpretation Alexa Wilton, Program Oral Interpretation; and Sierra Riley and Dresden Allred, Duo Interpretation. Riley also qualified for Program Oral Interpretation, but vacated the slot, opting to compete in Duo Interpretation since students can only participate in one event at nationals.

Whitefish High School had one national qualifier, Bethany Barnes, in Informative Speaking.

Columbia Falls High School also competed.

In overall team points, Glacier placed first and Flathead second.

The national competition, organized by the National Speech and Debate Association, will be held June 14-19 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many students will begin fundraising to cover travel expenses.

Following are individual results. Typically, the top two finishers qualify for nationals. The exception is instances where a student may qualify for more than one event and have to select one to compete in at nationals. If any national qualifiers cannot attend the summer tournament, alternates may the opportunity to compete.

Duo Interpretation

2. Sierra Riley and Dresden Allred, Glacier (qualifier)

Program Oral Interpretation

1. Sierra Riley, Glacier (vacated to compete in other event)

2. Alexa Wilton, Glacier (qualifier)

6. Derrick Neater, Flathead (alternate)

Dramatic Interpretation

1. Jarrod Wutke, Glacier (qualifier)

3. Dresden Allred, Glacier (alternate)

4. Lucy Schindler, Whitefish (alternate

5. Kadence Johnson, Flathead (alternate)

6. Hailey Anderson, Glacier (alternate)

Humorous Interpretation

1. Jasmine Anderson, Flathead (qualifier)

2. Jonah Love, Flathead (qualifier)

6. Sophia Dykhuizen, Flathead (alternate)

Original Oratory

2. Sydney Fletcher, Glacier (qualifier)

3. Anna Christensen, Flathead (alternate)

5. Mac Adkins, Glacier 3rd Alternate

Informative speaking

1. Bethany Barnes, Whitefish (qualifier)

5. Lane McKoy, Glacier (alternate)

6. Colter Giradot, Flathead (alternate)

International Extemporaneous Speaking

5. Abigail Bowden, Whitefish (alternate)

6. Samantha Wallace, Flathead (alternate)

U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking

3. Scott O’Donnell, Flathead (qualifier)

4. Scout McMahon, Flathead (alternate)

Public Forum Debate

1. Hannah Nikunen and Joe Schlegel, Glacier (qualifier)

4. Emily Mitchell and Emmerson Kaseman, Flathead (alternate)

6. Aiden Judge and Eddie Chisholm, Columbia Falls (alternate)

Policy Debate

2. Braden Anderson and Evan Sevaly, Flathead (qualifier)

5. Nicole Mitchell and Madison Johnson, Glacier (alternate)

6. Emma Stephens and Calie Jo Johnson, Columbia Falls (alternate)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

1. Eva Bruce, Flathead (qualifier)

2. Simon Roston, Glacier (qualifier)

Congressional Debate — Senate

3. Tre’ Finley Columbia Falls (alternate)

6. Isaac Schroeder, Glacier (alternate)

Congressional Debate — House one

3. Kelvin Dixon, Flathead (alternate)

Congressional Debate — House two

2. Kianna Storm, Flathead (qualifier)

4. Parker Davey, Glacier (alternate)

5. Aiden Judge, Columbia Falls (alternate)