fbpx

CFHS Speech and Debate Celebrates

By Beacon Staff

After winning their 10th State Speech and Debate Championship in a “rebuilding year”, the CFHS Speech and Debate Team took a few weeks off.

Tonight the team got together to reflect on their season and recognize team members for their accomplishments, including National Forensic League recognition.

The team members select several awards, such as Newcomer of the Year, Most Inspirational team member and Most Valuable team member. Keri Potter was named Newcomer of the Year, in part due to her 2nd place finish in Humerous Oral Interpretation at the State meet. Tashia Shupert was named Most Inspirational, and Tiffany Gross was named Most Valuable.

National Forensic League awards for top season long performance went to Patrick Ingham and Tiffany Gross. Retired teacher and former CFHS speech/debate coach Alida Wright was recognized with the Spirit of the Team Award. Tiffany Gross was recognized with the Trevor Seaman Memorial Scholarship Award – worth $1000.

Finally, after 13 nominations during 10 State Championship years, it was announced that Head Coach Mike Christensen had won Coach of the Year honors – an award selected by his peers across the state.

CFHS’ record in speech and debate:

10 State Championships, in 1978, 1988, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
15 Divisional Titles, in 1976, 1979, 1980, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Between 1981 and 1987, CFHS competed with bigger schools in the AA class.

With the exception of the AA class years from 1981 to 1987 and a 10th place at State in 1990, Columbia Falls has finished 6th or better at every state speech and debate meet since 1976.

For those keeping score: 10 State Titles, four times in 2nd place, three 3rd place finishes, five 5th place finishes, two 6th place finishes and one 10th place finish over 26 seasons.