UH Hilo hosts Hawaiʻi Speech League’s Hawaiʻi Island District Qualifier Tournament
Hosting Hawaiʻi Island high school students, nearly 50 UH Hilo communication students worked as judges and administrators to make the tournament a success.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosted the Hawai’i Speech League’s Hawai’i Island District Qualifier Tournament on Saturday, March 8. High school students on speech and debate teams at Hilo High School and Parker School in Waimea competed in nine different debate, limited preparation, platform speaking, and acting events.
The tournament was hosted by UH Hilo communication students from three public speaking classes (COM 251) taught by Dana Van Winkle, an instructor in the humanities division and director of the tournament.
The nearly 50 UH Hilo communication students worked as judges and administrators to make the ten-hour tournament a success. The judges closely analyzed the speeches, ranked the speakers, and gave constructive feedback to the thirty-two high school competitors. After six rounds of competition, the event concluded with an awards ceremony.
“I believe the event was entertaining, challenging, and rewarding for both high school and college students,” says Van Winkle. “High school competitors placing in first and second place at this tournament now have the opportunity to take their qualified events to the state tournament on Oʻahu later this season.”
