After the Class A State Tournament in Sidney ended on Jan. 28, the Libby Logger Speech and Debate Team celebrated the end of an “extremely successful season” according to a recent press release.

The Class A tournament is a Montana High School Association sanctioned activity, and although not technically a sport, Speech and Debate is a competitive interscholastic activity.

The same guidelines and rules other sports follow apply to Speech and Debate. The school’s mix of new and returning students saw students place at almost every tournament they attended. Students competed in a variety of events with many competing in two competitive events.

These events included Lincoln Douglas Debate, Interpretation of Literature, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking and Impromptu Speaking, the statement wrote.

The team includes freshmen Teague Thompson and Addison Skranak; sophomores Julianna Shumate, Nevaeh Neff and Cash Vaughn; juniors Jonathan Carey, Baylie Ames and Layla Dagel and seniors Cadence Newman and Jenavie Hammond.

The Speech and Debate season began in October with practice and competition coached by Kim Lee and Assistant Coach Morgan Bell, and the season ended with the State tournament on Jan. 27-28. The team’s grande finale was on Feb. 9, where they show case their skills and talents that they have worked on throughout the year to family, friends and the community.

Since Speech and Debate is not a spectator sport, such as wrestling or even a team sport like basketball, many family members do not have the opportunity to see their students perform their speeches until the Showcase, the statement said.

“We had two outstanding seniors on our team this year in Cadence Newman and Jenna Hammond,” Lee said.

Cadence was new to the team this year and, "Jumped right in to compete in both Impromptu Speaking and Dramatic Interpretation of Literature,” Lee said. "She excelled in both areas as well as provided encouragement and leadership to other students. Her insight and humor will be “missed.”

“Jenna has been an integral part of Logger Speech and Debate for the past four years," Lee said. "She has excelled in several different events and this year was our highest placing student overall. She placed at state in two different events and was well-regarded and respected by her competitors. Her leadership of our team and her unfailing positive and kind attitude have enhanced the team and inspired her teammates.

“All members of our team have achieved goals they set for themselves at the start of the year, both personal goals and competition goals. Their performance at the Class A State Tournament and our Showcase reflect this. Although it is very hard to say goodbye to our seniors, the rest of us are already looking forward to next year.”

At the Class A state tournament in Sidney, Hammond and Vaughn placed seventh place in Duo Interpretation. Vaughn finished seventh place in Informative Speaking and Hammond came in fourth place, also for Informative Speaking.