At the recent MSHSAA Speech and Debate Championship Tournament, two members of the OHS speech and debate team qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament.

Ryan Westwood (12) and Connor Jones (11) both qualified for this year’s National Speech and Debate Competition in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Both ended up finishing just below 3rd place, which usually marks the qualification to advance to nationals. However, as competitors who finished above Westwood and Jones decided to compete in other events, they were able to qualify for the national tournament.

“I kind of started crying on my way down (to the stage,)” said Westwood. “That was just really emotional, especially since it’s my last year.”

Competitors from around the world will come to Fort Lauderdale to compete from June 17-22, competitors will first compete in the events they qualified for and then in the supplementary events they choose. Westwood has qualified for congressional debate and Jones qualified in domestic extemporaneous speaking.

“I’m pretty excited just to go to Fort Lauderdale,” said Jones “I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun, it’s not super competitive, and that it’s very enjoyable for everyone who goes.”