Freshman Abby Snyder will join senior James Lindgren in representing Marshalltown High School at the National Forensics Tournament June 13-18, 2011, in Dallas, Texas.
Snyder earned the privilege Saturday, April 2, at the East Iowa Forensic District Tournament in Iowa City, where she was voted the top debater in the Legislative Debate.
“I am delighted for Abby. She has learned so much and worked so hard in her first year in the debate program,” said Jae Dwyer, MHS debate coach. “She completely deserves this amazing distinction.”
In February Lindgren qualified for the second year in a row to compete at Nationals in Extemporaneous Speaking. By qualifying, James ensured that Marshalltown had qualified for the National Tournament three years in a row. This will be the first year in many that Marshalltown has had two qualifiers.
“I am extremely proud of both James and Abby for the hard work that they have put into the forensic program this year,” said Dr. Janelle Hawk, director of forensics at MHS. “They both deserve the honor of qualifying for Nationals, as they have both been exemplary ambassadors for the forensic program.”
In addition to having two students qualify for the National Tournament, Dr. Hawk has been invited to conduct a coaches’ workshop at the National Tournament Clinic for Professional Development. Dr. Hawk will instruct coaches on “How to Start Your Own Summer Institute.” This workshop presentation will be based on the summer camp that the Marshalltown Forensic coaches have run over the past four years. The MHS summer camp focuses on the skills necessary to be competitive in Forensics. Anyone interested in finding out more about this year’s summer camp should contact Dr. Hawk at jhawk@marshalltown.k12.ia.us.
Since the National Tournament is outside the regular tournament season, the Forensic team will be looking for ways to raise the necessary funds to travel to Dallas, Texas, and to stay for an entire week of competition. If you wish to support the Marshalltown High School Forensic team, please send donations to MHS, c/o Dr. Hawk, 1602 S. 2nd Ave., Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.
