Two Milbank debaters made the stage at the National Qualifying Tournament for South Dakota’s two districts on February 21 in Sioux Falls. Debaters from Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Lennox, Vermillion, Beresford, and Huron all vied for just two national spots in each event.
Tate Pew placed sixth in US Extemp and Bri Hicks placed fifth in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. The Public Forum team of Cam’ron Graham and Elexia Quintanilla finished with a 2-2 record The duo can take some consolation in being bested by the eventual South Dakota winners.
Several Milbank debaters competed for the first time at the varsity level in two events – Pew in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Bella Hicks and Kinley VanHoorn in Public Forum.
One of the highlights of the tournament was when Milbank received the National Speech and Debate Association Leading Chapter Award. The honor is given annually.to only one school per district for achieving goals in team membership and degrees (levels). MHS Coach Kathy Tyler commented, “It took us a while to get there, but we did it!”
The Bulldogs’ debate season closes with the 2026 State Debate and IE Tournament in Aberdeen from March 6-7. “We’ve brought home trophies the past two years and are looking forward to the challenge,” Tyler added.
Submitted Photo: Elexia Quintanilla, Camron Graham, Kinley VanHoorn, Bella Hicks, Bri Hicks, Head Coach Tyler and Tate Pew.
Staff
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