STUDENTS VIE TO HEAD TO SPEECH FINALS

There were no team uniforms or special equipment in sight at Dempster School of Business Saturday, just small groups of nervous high school students accepting instruction from their coaches as they awaited their turns to compete for qualification to the state speech and debate tournament being held next month.

More than 300 students from 24 Southeast Missouri schools attended the district tournament at Southeast Missouri State University Friday and Saturday. Participants competed in nine individual events to earn advancement to the state tournament, which will be held in Columbia, Mo.

"The first round was a little more nerve-racking than this. It's not bad right now, but if we make it to finals, it'll probably kick in," said Central High School student Bethany Burchyett prior to a second-round duet acting performance with partner Liz Robertson.

Students in each category contended in two rounds of competition that were scored by judges. Scores were then combined, and teams with the lowest scores in each category advanced to finals competition.

"If they want to be successful, it takes year-round practice," said Jackson High School English teacher Joyce Theiss, who sponsored her school's team and served as a judge for several events. "What they're doing is not easy."

Students likened the level of competition over the weekend to that faced by athletic teams seeking to compete at the state level. Several students said they wished their contests received more notice from classmates and within their communities.

Like athletes, they said, speech and debate club participants must be dedicated and continually hone their skills, and their success is measured by the ability to advance. While they don't exert much physical energy, their competitions involve more "mental exercise," and they also gain valuable skills that can be used in adulthood.

"It prepares us to do public speaking, not to be afraid of speaking before large groups, and we make lots of friends," said Chrystal Sarnowski, 16, of Naylor High School. "It doesn't matter how well you do or how bad you do it's just about how you make yourself feel about it."