Two William Chrisman, Three Truman Students Qualify for National Tournament

Two William Chrisman and three Truman speech and debate students earned a trip to nationals with their performances during the district National Speech & Debate Association (formerly known as the National Forensic League) tournament. Chrisman Seniors Sarah Daniel and Tim Paxton and Truman’s Amy Ramirez, Karly Kinsey and Alex Millard qualified for The National Speech & Debate Tournament in Dallas in June- the largest academic competition in the world!

Daniel qualified in original oratory and Paxton qualified in humorous interpretation. “It felt amazing,” Paxton said. “(It was) four years of work.” Daniel thought she would do well, but was surprised at the final results.

“I was expecting to go to finals, but not nationals,” she said. “I never expected to go to nationals, there were so many others that were really talented.

“I gave it my best. It felt totally unreal.”

Truman’s Ramirez qualified in original oratory and Kinsey and Millard qualified in duo interpretation- capturing a district championship along the way.

“The students did a wonderful job,” said Carl Stafford, Truman’s director of forensics. “Our district tournament is known to be one of the most competitive qualifying tournaments in the country.”

All five students share one thing in common- the desire and determination to advance and succeed.

“They worked incredibly hard to reach this destination,” Stafford said. “They deserve a pat on the back.”

“I always remember, if I work really hard for something, I achieve it,” Chrisman’s Daniel said. “Every time I think about it, I can’t stop smiling.”

Students must place among the top competitors at one of 110 district tournaments across the country to earn a trip to the nationals. Qualifiers will compete for college scholarships in one of 11 main events during the June 14-19 event.