Helena High’s speech and debate team competed at the Butte speech and debate tournament on Nov. 6 and 7.

Kate Runkel and Karla Nettleton placed second in policy debate, and Leann Colella placed fifth in expository speaking.

“It was very exciting to see our seniors, Kate and Karla, make it all the way to the championship debate at their first competition of the year,” said head coach Cindy Palmer. “This is a positive sign for a successful season for these veteran debaters. Having only one other person make it to finals would cause some coaches concern.

“I am not concerned as we had many competitors make it to semi-finals with speeches that are not polished. With time the speeches will be perfected and these students will be in finals.”

Speech and debate members who earned team points for reaching the semi-finals include:

Bryn Reinstadler, Kendra Hertweck, and Thomas Harris in impromptu speaking; Kara Krantz and Kezia Halverson in expository speaking; Patrick Fischer in memorized public address; Cody Colella in original oratory; and two teams in humorous duo, Geoffery Rolan and Cody Collela and Sammy Thomas and Leann Collela.