Due to severe weather conditions, the debate portion of the Speech and Debate State competition in Reno has been postponed to April 12 and 13 at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas. The weather did not interfere with the speech competitions held on March 1, but finals will be moved to online.

“First, I understand that the security of our cohorts means we must, at times, make tough choices. This was one of those moments,” Speech and Debate Adviser Henry Evans said. “Second, I feel disappointed for our debate competitors. I have worked closely with our team for this important competition and I know the amount of effort that they have put toward their performances. Justice Sidney, for instance, has spent over six hours with me after school on her debate cases. I even personally paid to have her mom, Robin Sidney, fly up and stay at the same hotel with us so that she can judge for us. As you can see, we have all invested into this tournament. Fortunately, we were still able to have a majority of our students compete on Friday.”

Competitors left Las Vegas for Reno on Thursday, Feb. 29. The speech events including original oratory, informative speaking, and extemporaneous writing were held today on March 1. The debate events included policy, Lincoln-Douglas, and public forums.

“The change in plans allows me a ton more time to work on my case, but the sudden change in dates throws all prior plans out of whack,” senior Justice Sidney said. “I was really bummed out at first. I paid for the trip, drove all the way out, and don’t get to compete? But it truly is a blessing in disguise because I have so much more time now.”

Reno Nevada is currently under a winter storm warning with conditions expected to last until 10 p.m. (PST) on Saturday, March 2.

“My students had a better reaction than I did to this stunning turn of events,” Evans said. “Many were disappointed, but they also cherished the fact that they were, and are, spending time with a team that they consider family. One of my goals for our team is to create a bond that transcends any competition. Sure, some students couldn’t compete, but do you know what they did? They chose to attend the rounds of the teammates who could compete and support them as audience members.”

More information as the story unfolds.