Tensions are high as some of the students on the FHN Speech and debate team get ready for Districts this year. The students’ prep can take a lot of work and time. Pulling an all-nighter on the weekends to make sure they have gotten every small detail they need and practicing their skills is not something unusual.

“For prepping, I would do a lot of research and work on the case and discuss different ideas with my partner,” Public Forum debater Ashley Raster said. “I would also think of counterarguments that may be used against us and come up with responses to them.”

On Feb. 20, the Speech and Debate club will be going to Parkway North and Parkway South for the annual MSHSAA districts. FHN will be sending 15 people for their entry this year. They will be facing off with Ladue, Parkway, Clayton and the other local school districts.

“I generally do a debate event, public forum and two speech events,” team member Caitlind Walker said. “It’s kind of difficult to say our winning streak in this case because we have multiple people in a multitude of events. Our duo interpretation team has been doing very well, and we have many different people break to finals.”

Last year FHN did well at Districts, qualifying for state reader’s theater and in duet acting. Hoping to do just as well or better this year in Districts, the students haven’t been slacking for one moment. The different events include extemporaneous speaking, poetry reading, humorous interpretation, and dramatic interpretation.

“I have been in the club for almost two years now,” Walker said. “I really enjoy all the things that I learn from doing events and watching them. I also really enjoy working with the people on the team and meeting other people at tournaments.”