Reporters Notebook

High school students from around the state will have a chance to become New Mexico’s best debaters at the State High School Speech Tournament.

The event will be held today through Saturday at Eastern New Mexico University.

This is the 25th year Anthony Schroeder, professor of communications at ENMU, is organizing the event at the school.

Schroeder said the event is open to all school’s in the state and he is expecting about 300 students to compete in individual and team debates. He said there are about 12 debate categories such as humorous duo and dramatic duo.

There will be prepared debates and spontaneous debates where the topic is not known prior to the event, he said.

Debate topics will cover political, social and environmental issues, among others, Schroeder said.

Schroeder said volunteer judges are still being sought for all three days, especially on Saturday. Those interested in judging can call 562-2741.

Reporter’s notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Ryan Lengerich. Suggested items may be mailed to editor David Stevens at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102. The e-mail address is [email protected]