HILLTALKERS News:

The Los Alamos Hilltalkers Speech and Debate Team’s annual invitational tournament is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 at Los Alamos High School.

This local event has built a strong reputation drawing teams from around the state eager for rigorous competition and high-quality feedback from engaged, trained judges.

The tournament serves as the team’s largest fundraiser and educational event and offers an opportunity for Los Alamos community members to participate and support the team by serving as judges.

There are numerous speech and debate sessions held throughout the two-day tournament. Community members need not be experienced in order to judge. A training opportunity for potential judges to learn more about the various events will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the Los Alamos High School Speech Theater.

Judging at a speech and debate tournament offers a unique opportunity to see teenagers hosting a large event, refining their speaking skills, exploring the art of persuasion, expressing themselves through dramatic and humorous interpretation, and debating opposing sides of current issues.

Judges are invited to enjoy the hospitality lounge featuring refreshments and homemade foods generously provided by speech and debate team parents.

Contact team coach Margo Batha at 663-2651 or m.batha@laschools.net to sign up to volunteer as a judge.