Logan to Host National Speech and Debate Tournament

From James Logan High School's Forensics team

The Forensics team will welcome high school speech and debate competitors from across the country this weekend for the 16th annual .

Logan’s campus will be filled with over 1,600 high school students from 77 different schools.  While the majority of teams competing are from California, the tournament will also welcome teams from as far as Wyoming and Mississippi.

The director of the James Logan Forensics Team, Tommie Lindsey, is excited this tournament continues to bring many competitors together from a wide array of locations as they compete and refine their public speaking skills.

“The competitors are able to mingle with others interested in the activity and live out the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. through speech and debate,” Lindsey said.

This is the largest speech and debate tournament hosted by Logan during the year and is a great opportunity for members of the community to see the talents of Logan students.

“I want people to know that James Logan Forensics is regarded and respected throughout the state for being one of the top public school programs,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey notes the importance the tournament has on the local community and encourages members of the community to participate in the program.

“Economically, it brings in a lot of revenue for local restaurants, hotels and other establishments,” Lindsey said.  “Culturally, it fosters the diversity that this community so strongly represents.”

Lindsey emphasizes this tournament provides students the opportunity to have a voice and express themselves – something that has become increasingly difficult in tough economic times.

“It’s extremely difficult seeing how a lot of students are unable to pay for competitions.  We try our best to hold everything together, and it’s not easy,” Lindsey said.

Despite the economic difficulties, Lindsey is excited about the tournament and encourages members of the community to join in welcoming the high school competitors and share in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

For more information about the James Logan Forensics program and the Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational, visit jlhsforensics.org.

Additional Information

Who: James Logan High School Forensics (Speech and Debate)

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational

Where: James Logan High School, Union City, CA

When: Friday, January 13, (last afternoon and evening), Saturday, January 14 (all day) and Sunday, January 15 (all day)

Why:  The tournament is a positive community event that embraces public speaking.  Many competitors at this tournament will go to the California State Tournament and the National Tournament.  Members of the community are encouraged to watch and judge.  Anyone over 18 can judge.

There are numerous acting events ranging from humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, thematic interpretation and original prose and poetry.

There are a range of debate events including Lincoln – Douglas Debate, Policy Debate, and Parliamentary Debate.

There are “platform” events including Expository, Original Advocacy, and Extemporaneous speaking.

How: Those who want to judge can meet in the James Logan Old Gym where they can sign up.