Tea Area closes debate and individual events season at state tournament

Members of the Tea Area High School debate and individual events team wrapped up their competitive season at the South Dakota State Debate and Individual Events Tournament, held March 6-7 at Aberdeen Central High School.

Representing Tea Area at the State Meet were Kylia Voigt, Trista Smith, June Hitzemann, Jaxon Johanneson, Adam Waldner and Brody Miller.

Leading the Titans at State, was June Hitzemann who earned fourth place in A-Division Original Oratory. In Original Oratory, students write and deliver original speeches focused on identifying a real-world problem and presenting possible solutions.

The State Tournament marked the conclusion of a busy season for Tea Area, which included 17 in-person tournaments from October through March.

Another highlight of the season came in February at the national qualifying tournament, where Tea Area reached a milestone for the program. According to head coach Loren Bauder, the school produced its first finalists at the national qualifying tournament in at least the last five years.

Kylia Voigt advanced to finals in Program Oral Interpretation, while Brody Miller also reached finals in Original Oratory.

To qualify for nationals, competitors must place first or second in their event. Although Tea Area had finalists, no team members secured one of the qualifying positions needed to advance.

Despite that, Bauder said she was proud of the team’s growth and accomplishments throughout the year.

“I am very proud of our team’s work and growth this year,” Bauder said.