Class A state title goes to Columbia Falls speech and debate, Whitefish is runner-up
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 1 month AGO
The Columbia Falls High School speech and debate team won the Class A state title over the weekend in Sidney. (Photo provided by Dawn Roe)
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | January 30, 2023 1:00 PM
Columbia Falls High School speech and debate has returned to the top spot as the Class A state speech and debate champions.
The team amassed 209 overall points to win the state title in Sidney over the weekend. State runner-up, Whitefish High School, scored 125 points. Laurel finished in third with 106 points.
The Columbia Falls team had individual champions in three events including Aiden Rohn and Brayden Crawford in Public Forum Debate; Zack Tillman and Lucas Counts in Duo Interpretation and Carson Settles in Informative Speaking.
The state win closes the chapter on an undefeated season for Columbia Falls.
“It has been an amazing season,” Columbia Falls head coach Dawn Roe said.
Whitefish head coach Sara Mueller said the team went into the tournament knowing there would be tough competition.
“We are thrilled to bring a second place trophy home with us from state. We knew we had our work cut out for us with Columbia Falls, Laurel, and Frenchtown, as well as some strong performances from East Helena, Corvallis, and Billings Central to contend with,” Mueller said.
Mueller also congratulated Columbia Falls, “who pushes us every season,” on their win.
“Speech and debate is alive and well in the North Valley,” she said.
Following are local individual results.
Public Forum Debate
1 Aiden Rohn and Brayden Crawford, Columbia Falls
2 May Rowles and Jayce McDonald, Whitefish
4 Addie Blackaby and Zoe Tremper, Whitefish
6 Julianna MacPherson and Selah Heinzen, Columbia Falls
7 Quinn Caudle and Logan Emerson, Columbia Falls
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
2 Charlotte Perkins, Whitefish
3 Eddie Chisholm, Columbia Falls
7 Alanna Milhollen, Columbia Falls
Policy Debate
2 Alex Losee and Vana Fortune, Whitefish
4 Lauren Rogers and Boone Shanks, Columbia Falls
5 Ava Minns-Prezeau and Celestine Young, Columbia Falls
6 Eleanor Hollingsworth and Kynsleigh Gould, Columbia Falls
Memorized Public Address
7 Lauren Rossi, Whitefish
8 Iona Sarraille, Whitefish
Informative Speaking
1 Carson Settles, Columbia Falls
3 Ruby Davis, Columbia Falls
8 Scarlet Burke, Whitefish
Impromptu Speaking
6 Iona Sarraille, Whitefish
Duo Interpretation
1 Zack Tillman and Lucas Counts, Columbia Falls
2 Cole Pickert and Jackson Schindler, Whitefish
3 Reed Wollenzein and Carson Settles, Columbia Falls
4 Elli Sandstrom and Ruby Davis, Columbia Falls
Humorous Interpretation
4 Makinzie Taylor, Columbia Falls
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