Speakers prep for final competitions

The speech and debate team is hoping to send members to compete against the top speakers and debaters in the state and country later this spring.

It already has maxed out its spots for the national qualifier and district tournaments.  Top finishers at the Northern Oregon national qualifier March 19-21 advance to the national competition in Dallas June 14-19.

On April 3-4, Lincoln will compete against other Portland area high schools for the chance move on to state, April 23-25.  State and national competitions are not affiliated.

“This has been a tremendous year,” coach Jenny Owen said.  The team has participated in 24 tournaments and brought home hundreds of awards.  It has also seen its membership grow.  This year, over 30 students have regularly attended tournaments, compared to approximately 20 last year, according to sophomore Jack Sanders.  “This year has been much more successful,” he said.

With the growth, Owen is faced with the dilemma of choosing who to take to district.  “Unfortunately, we have so many members, we can’t take everyone,” she said.  Students who have shown strong dedication throughout the year will be rewarded with spots, Owen said.

Lincoln will host several rounds of the district competition April 4.  The team gained experience in holding a tournament when it hosted the Rose City Round Robin Feb. 27.  Owen said she received a large amount of positive feedback from coaches about how the tournament was run.

As part of preparations for district, 44 students participated in the Oregon City tournament March 7, the largest showing for Lincoln  in over 10 years.  Lincoln took second place out of 31 schools.  “Wow, what a great showing,” Owen said afterwards.