Polson, Ronan attend Class A state speech and debate in Corvallis
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
Polson High Speech Team members who attended last week's state meet in Corvallis are: front row, Griffey Whisman and Lecass Camel; and back row, Jacey Alexander-Wilson, Alexa Kinaman and Anya Rosenbrock. (Courtesy photo)
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. | February 4, 2026 11:00 PM
High school speech and debate competitors from around Montana, including Ronan and Polson, converged on Corvallis High School Jan. 30-31 for the Montana Class A Speech and Debate State Competition.
The top 12 speakers from each event in Eastern Montana and from Western Montana divisional competitions continued on to the state meet. Students arrived dressed to the nines carrying briefcases, portfolios, blankets, bags and coolers.
Speaking events are original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu, memorized public address, informative, and interpretation (humorous, dramatic, and duo). Debate events are Lincoln Douglas, policy and public forum.
Lauren Feese, head speech coach in Ronan, said her school is in a rebuilding year since all their seniors graduated last year. “All of the speech coaches just want each kid to do well,” she added.
Polson’s new head speech coach, McKennah Andrews, said her program is also in rebuilding mode, with five students who qualified for the state tournament.
“Going to state was a good experience,” she said, adding that the competition from the eastern side of the state was tough, but PHS speakers had some great rounds.
With quality upperclassmen returning as well as a group of outstanding freshman, she’s “expecting good things for next year.”
Feese said she’s seen growth on her team and is also looking forward to the 2026-27 season.
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