Talkin' Tigers qualify four for nationals

The Mountain Home High School Talkin' Tigers qualified four students during a tournament last week for the National Forensic Leagues National Speech and Debate Championships June 13-20 in Birmingham, Ala.

In most events the top two finishers in last weekend's Qualifying Tournament at Borah High School advanced to the national tournament

The Talkin' Tigers swept the top three spots in Humorous Interpretation as Eli Holland, Christina Trouten and Megan Gregory dominated the event. Holland, a senior, and Trouten, a freshman, both earned spots in the national tournament with Gregory the first alternate should any of the top two decide not to go.

Trouten is the only freshman qualifier from Idaho's Gem Of The Mountain District this year and the first ever freshman from Mountain Home to qualify.`

Bridget Sinerius kept her unbeaten streak going by winning Dramatic Interpretation and earning a place in the National Tournament. Sinerius has won every tournament she has entered in that event this season.

Meoldie Lettkeman was third and is the second alternate.

Chelsea Wegrzniak was tops in her Student Congress session to advance to the national tournament. In addition, the sophomore was the first alternate in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

T.J. Billinger is the first alternate in Senate Student Congress and Chase Bennett and Yrsa Moe are first alternates in Duo Interpretation.

The qualifiers need help to go to the national tournament this summer. More than $3,000 will be needed to offset costs for the trip. "Donations of any kind will be gladly accepted," said advisor John Petti. Contact any member of the High School speech and debate team or send donations to: Mountain Home Speech and Debate, Mountain Home High School, 300 S. 11th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.