Monroy Earns Alternate Spot at National Debate Tourney

Camila Monroy received second alternate, fourth place, in the Senate in Student Congress at the Northern South Dakota District Qualifier for the 2022 National Speech and Debate Tournament. The qualifier tournament was held in Aberdeen on Thursday, March 10. MHS congressmen, Rylen Frerichs and Max Schuelke, also competed. The 2022 National Speech and Debate Tournament will be held June 12-17 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kathy Tyler, coach of the MHS debate team said, “Throughout the course of the season, all debaters participated in Student Congress at one time, but Student Congress is Camila’s debate of choice, and she proved herself by placing at every tournament she entered.”

Student Congress imitates a congressional session. Bills that pertain to real situations in the state and/or country are introduced, debated, and voted upon. Senators and representatives are evaluated on their speeches and questioning abilities.

Coach Tyler said, “This has been a rewarding year for Milbank’s debate/forensics team members. When competing at the novice level, the freshmen debaters placed at every meet. The varsity level proved to be more challenging, but it was a learning experience. Next fall, the debaters will participate in the junior varsity divisions and move up to varsity for the state and national qualifying tournaments if they choose. 

She reminds students and parents, “We are recruiting for next year. The Debate 1 class is open for all students. Freshmen and sophomores can use it as their English requirement. If a student wishes to debate and is unable to take the class, arrangements can be made for afterschool practice time. The skills learned last a lifetime!”