Sylvania schools to host areawide speech, debate tournament

Twin sisters Ashley, left, and Alexa Urbanski competed in last year's Sylvania Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

More than 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12 are to participate Friday in the Sylvania Invitational Speech & Debate Tournament.

It typically has 1,100 students each year. This year, as it has in the past, will use Northview and Southview high schools as well as McCord Junior High.

The tournament provides web-based electronic registration and tournament management, simulcasting two awards ceremonies at separate schools, and providing updates wirelessly.

Competition runs on Friday afternoon beginning at 3:30 pm and resumes Saturday all day, with final judging and awards at about 5 p.m. at each school. Winners will earn points and placement in the state competition, scheduled for Feb. 19 through March 2 at Canfield and Boardman high schools near Youngstown. Winners there will advance to national tournament June 16-21 in Birmingham, Ala.

Last year, four Sylvania students made it to the nationals.

Coaches Alex Clarkson and Paul Moffit at Southview and Joseph Drouillard, Griffen Browning and David Zavc at Northview have organized the Sylvania Invitational.