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   Last Friday and Saturday March 27 and 28th, a small group from the WHA Speech Team traveled to Willmar High School to compete in the Northern Lights NSDA Qualifying Tournament. At this tournament, which is separate from the Minnesota State High School League organization, speakers from the northern region of the state compete for the chance to enter the national tournament this summer. The Walker team brought seven competitors to the tournament. Three competitors advanced into a final round, and one speaker is advancing to the national stage. 

   The following speakers competed over this two day tournament: Jace Ungerecht competed in the category of Humor, Layla Krueckeberg competed in the category of Drama, Brooklyn Hanson competed in the category of Informative, and Elaina Dascalos competed in the category of Drama. 

   The following speakers advanced into a final round: Zoe Cox advanced into the quarter final round of Drama and placed 5th. Isaias Jimenez McMurrin advanced in the semi-final round of Oratory and placed 5th. 

   Finally, Elijah Cox advanced into the final round of Drama. Against over 40 entries, Elijah advanced into the quarter finals, the semifinals, and then into the final round with the top six speakers at the tournament. Overall, he placed 3rd, sealing his opportunity to compete at the national tournament this summer. 

   The 2026 National Speech and Debate Tournament will be held this summer in Richmond, Virginia, and Elijah will be competing against the best speakers in the entire country. However, before the national tournament, Elijah and the rest of the Walker Talkers will be competing at the subsection and section tournaments for the opportunity to compete at the MSHSL State Tournament in April. 

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