Legacy hosts its first Texas Forensic Association (TFA) Speech and Debate tournament on Nov. 3. Over 300 debaters from 30 schools all over North Texas will compete in 15 different events all day.
Friday before the tournament, debate teacher Howard Ritz and any assistants will put signs and directions up around the school. Students who volunteer to help run the tournament will direct competitors, time debates, help with concessions and help organize ballots.
“The tournament is giving people opportunities to get community service,” Mr. Ritz said. “It gives credibility to the tournament to have volunteers and it keeps people from tearing the building up.”
Volunteers can talk to Mr. Ritz or go to the debate team’s homepage to sign up for different shifts. Sophomore Jasmine Ojeda signed up to help for over 10 hours because she needs community service for Teen Leadership II.
“I usually volunteer for the fire department and police department, but I decided to help Mr. Ritz this time,” Ojeda said. “I like volunteering. You get to meet new people, so I’m kind of excited for it.”
Although Legacy’s debaters will not be competing, many of them will help run the tournament and act as timers. Paid judges, one of the greatest expenses, and parent or teacher volunteers will judge the events. The debate program will also spend about a thousand dollars on trophies.
“It’s going to be close. The main revenue comes from individual and team entrance fees,” Mr. Ritz said. “But I’m ecstatic about how this tournament is turning out, and I can’t say how grateful I am to all the parents and teachers volunteering.”
