Date:
3/4/2005
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico Universityin Portales has been selected to host the 2005 New Mexico State HighSchool Speech Tournament on Thursday, March 10, through Saturday, March12. Volunteer judges are needed.
The tournament includes debate, student congress, interpretative reading, duo, oratory, and other public speaking events.
Thetournament is sponsored by the New Mexico Activities Association. It isopen to all high schools in the state of New Mexico. Approximately 30high schools participate in the tournament. According to Dr. AnthonySchroeder, ENMU professor and tournament director, this is theculmination of a year-long activity that includes many hours ofresearch and practice, weekend tournaments and after-school meets.
"The level of competition is always outstanding. Every year, I am toldby judges about the high quality of the performances, their arguments,and, most importantly, their thinking and speaking abilities," saidSchroeder.
As a 25-time host of the tournament, ENMU has hosted the event more times than any other institution in the state.
Faculty,staff and students of the university and many individuals from thecommunity have volunteered to judge the tournament. More judges areneeded. It is estimated that Eastern will need approximately 45 to 50judges each hour.
Informationwill be provided to volunteers about how to evaluate the events. Atraining session will be held Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9,at 7 p.m. in the College of Business, Room 156.
Judges can volunteer by calling 505.562.2741 and leaving a name and telephone number.