Helena High Speech and Debate

Hey Helena friends — we know these students.
Maverick and Fiona did a great job representing Speech & Debate on Montana Daybreak and helping spread the word that Valley of Gold needs judges this weekend.
If you’ve ever considered judging, now’s the time. No experience needed, training provided, and even one round makes a difference.
Please sign up to judge and share the link. Let’s make Valley of Gold amazing.

Valley of Gold Speech and Debate Tournament needs volunteers for this weekend Valley of Gold Speech and Debate Tournament needs volunteers to judge for Friday and Saturday competitions

https://helenair.com/news/local/education/article_ddcf001c-adaf-4dd6-9705-e78aa183ddd5.html

Volunteer judges urgently needed for this weekend's speech and debate tournament in Helena Coaches said Monday they still need more than 300 judging rounds filled, with more than 500 students from across Montana expected to participate in the tournament.

Community volunteers are urgently needed to serve as judges for the Valley of Gold Speech & Debate Tournament, hosted by Helena High School and Capital High School on Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10.

More than 500 students from across Montana will travel to Helena to compete in one of the largest Speech & Debate tournaments of the season. All Speech events will be held at Capital High School, while all Debate events will take place at Helena High School. The tournament relies entirely on community support and requires a large pool of judges to run successfully. Currently, more than 300 judging rounds remain unfilled.

“Our community judges are known for being committed, fair, and encouraging,” said Jennifer Hermanson, Head Speech & Debate Coach at Helena High School. “We’re grateful to those who have already signed up and excited to welcome more volunteers to help us continue that tradition.”

No prior experience in Speech & Debate is needed to serve as a judge. Training and clear guidance are provided, and truly all that is required is a willingness to listen and offer thoughtful feedback. Judging a single round requires a time commitment of approximately two hours, and volunteers may judge one round or multiple rounds—and even judging one round makes a meaningful difference. Past judges consistently describe the experience as inspiring and rewarding.

Community members are encouraged to volunteer and to share the opportunity with friends, family members, coworkers, or others who may be interested in supporting students from across the state. If additional judges are not secured, the tournament may be forced to limit student participation.

Individuals interested in judging may sign up online at

Valley of Gold Speech and Debate Tournament | Judge Sign-Up Form Friday and Saturday, January 9-10, 2026 SPEECH Events are at CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL 100 Valley Drive - Helena, MT DEBATE Events are at HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 1300 Billings Avenue- Helena, MT

Judges Needed for Valley of Gold!
Kick off 2026 by supporting our incredible Speech & Debate students!
The Valley of Gold Tournament is coming up January 9–10, and we need community judges—no experience required.

If you’ve judged before, we’d love to have you back. If you’re new, we’ll train you!
Please sign up here and feel free to share the link with friends, family, and coworkers:
https://tinyurl.com/VOGJudges2026

Speech events are at Capital High, Debate at Helena High.
Thank you for helping our kids shine!

Valley of Gold Speech and Debate Tournament | Judge Sign-Up Form Friday and Saturday, January 9-10, 2026 SPEECH Events are at CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL 100 Valley Drive - Helena, MT DEBATE Events are at HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 1300 Billings Avenue- Helena, MT

Be proud, Montana!
Our very own Layla Riggs has been named First Runner-Up for National Student of the Year by the National Speech & Debate Association!

This marks a historic milestone—the first time a Montana student has ever reached the finalist level, and to finish second in the nation is truly monumental.

Layla, your achievement is a testament to your passion, leadership, and voice.
Congratulations, Layla—we are so proud of you!

We want to reassure our community that all Helena students are safe and sound following the incident at the NSDA National Tournament. Our teams had already left the event center prior to the event, and our head coach was judging a National Finals at an off-site location. We understand that many in our community may have seen news reports and are understandably concerned.

We recognize how traumatic and frightening this experience was for everyone involved, and our hearts go out to all students, coaches, families, and staff affected.

In moments of fear and uncertainty, we are reminded why speech matters. This activity teaches young people that their words have power—the power to process with clarity, to comfort with authenticity, and to inspire change with confidence.

Together, we will continue to use our voices to support one another and help shape a better world.

2025 Nationals Raffle Drawing

https://www.ktvh.com/news/montana-news/helena-student-is-a-national-speech-and-debate-finalist

Helena student is a National Speech and Debate finalist Helena High School senior Layla Riggs is one of six finalists for the National Speech and Debate Association’s 2025 National Student of the Year Award.

Congratulations to Helena High Speech and Debate’s own Layla Riggs on her recognition as a finalist for National Student of the Year!

Congratulations to the 2025 Student of the Year Finalists!

These six students won their district awards and were selected as national finalists by a panel of coaches.

They will interview with a panel on Sunday at Nationals, and the winner will be announced during the National Awards Assembly Friday night.

Congrats to all!

Help send us to Nationals! Buy Raffle tickets and win big!

Helena-Capital Speech & Debate's Annual Raffle 2025 Helena-Capital Speech & Debate's Annual Raffle 2025

Seven talented students from our High Schools have qualified to compete at the Centennial National Speech and Debate Tournament this June in Des Moines, Iowa! After excelling at statewide competitions, they now have the incredible honor of representing Montana on the national stage.

But—we need your help. To make this dream a reality, our students must raise $15,000 to cover travel, lodging, and tournament expenses. Without this vital support, our students will forfeit their opportunity to compete.

Special Screening fundraiser – one night only!
We have partnered with Lady & Bird Films to host an exclusive, one-time screening of the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival documentary, Speak. —a powerful film that captures and celebrates the spirit of speech and debate.

📅 Thursday, May 22, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM (Showtime)
📍 Myrna Loy Theater, Helena, MT
🎟️ $20 per ticket (Tickets Available Now!)
Tickets are limited—don't miss out! This is a one night special event!

All screening profits will directly support the Helena & Capital High Speech & Debate Nationals Fund. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an inspiring film while supporting our rising stars!

https://themyrnaloy.com/happenings/special-screening-speak/