MANDAN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City High School Student Congress team started off their 2020 competitive season on Monday, September 28th at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Mandan, ND. Student Congress is formal legislative debate in which students debate resolutions and bills that were written by students. Students research, write speeches, prepare for possible questions, and learn the fundamentals of responsible rhetoric.
This season, like many activities’ seasons, has been altered drastically because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Hi-Liner Congress speakers adjusted and had an extremely successful first tournament. The Hi-Liners only took 9 students to the first tournament due to some issues related to close contact. Five of those nine speakers were named superior speakers placing in the top 4 competitors in their chamber. Olivia Slyter was elected by her peers to be the presiding officer over a combined Senate/House 1 Chambers. Lillian Kiefert was named the champion of the Senate.
Individual results are as follows:
Senate: Luke Plagens (2nd), Lillian Kiefert (1st, Champion)
House 2: Maisie Leick (2nd)
House 4: Ayden Grace McPartland (2nd)
House 6: Carter Hass (4th)
The Hi-Liner Student Congress Coach is coached by head coach, Nick Lee, and Assistant Coach, Abby Ingstad. The next tournament for the VCHS Student Congress team is Monday, October 12 at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Mandan, ND.