Sophomore qualifies for national Speech & Debate tournament

Four Wimberley High School students competed at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Heart of Texas District Meet April 22-24. Leading the way for the Texans was sophomore Azula Hunter-Thiam, who finished second in Dramatic Interpretation to advance to the NSDA National Tournament, to be held virtually June 13-19.

Senior Jackson Delhagen, junior Jack Garrett, and freshman Kathryn McKinney also competed at the meet. Garrett advanced to finals and finished in sixth place in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Delhagen competed in US Extemporaneous Speaking and McKinney in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Hunter-Thiam performed a 10 minute script taken from “Da Kink in My Hair,” by Trey Anthony. WHS students competed against Austin-area schools in the Heart of Texas District, including 5A and 6A schools.

In order to compete at the NSDA District Meet, students must receive at least 25 points accumulated at speech and debate meets throughout their high school careers. Delhagen and Garrett have each earned over 400 points in their careers, earning them continually higher levels of degrees and seals from the NSDA. Hunter-Thiam and McKinney are both approaching the 200-point level from their NSDA participation.