Abilene High School Speech and Debate students advanced to elimination rounds in three main events for the first time in school history at this year’s National Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament!

For the 13th time in school history, Abilene High sent competitors to the national tournament, which was held June 14–19 in Richmond, Virginia. The tournament brought together more than 7,700 students from over 1,200 schools across the country.

This year, Abilene High’s three student-competitors each advanced in their events, making the school’s 13th appearance at Nationals its strongest yet.

Junior Lainey Marz advanced to the National Quarterfinals in United States Extemporaneous Speaking and finished 15th in the nation.

Senior Syler Richardson advanced to the National Quarterfinals in Dramatic Interpretation and finished 28th in the nation.

Freshman Sloan Westbrook advanced to the National Triple Octofinals in Big Questions Debate and finished 33rd in the nation.

Congratulations to Lainey, Syler, Sloan and the AHS Speech and Debate program on this outstanding achievement!