Mountain Vista Speech and Debate attended the state qualifying competition Feb. 24-25. Out of the 22 Vista students at the competition, five students qualified.

Students generally compete against six other students in their category and are competing for the top three spots. The students participate in three rounds and are given speaking points that range from 40-50 points per round.

“The judges usually don’t give below 40 points because the more NSDA points you have, the better it looks within the association and the better chances you will get a scholarship,” senior qualifier Staci Prevato said.m

The state qualifiers are as follows: senior Alyssa Paradis in LD Debate, sophomores John Statkevicus and Lucas Rentz in Public Forum, sophomore Vikki Wong in Original Oratory, and senior Staci Prevato in Poetry. In addition, junior Colter Giem is a first alternative in International Extemp.

“I was really shocked to learn that I had qualified because I competed against some really good people. I was also really proud because I got straight ones in my category, which is really good,” Prevato said. “It was great to be able to qualify my last year on the team. It is a really great way to end my speech and debate career, as I will not be continuing on in college.”