Four Cassville High School (CHS) Speech and Debate students have earned their spot at the National Speech and Debate Tournament, set for June 16-21 in Des Moines.

During the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) district qualifying tournament, the following students placed first or second out of 25 competing school districts. National qualifiers are Kimberly Hang in Humorous Interpretation, Audrey Gosvener in Original Oratory, Emma Cehajic in Program of Oral Interpretation and Ayla Roberts in Informative Speaking. Roberts was the District Champion.

In addition to qualifying for the national competition, Gosvener, a senior, was selected as the District Student of the Year. NSDA coaches nominate a graduating senior who best represents the NSDA Code of Honor: humility, equity, integrity, respect, leadership and service.

Gosvener will compete for the National Student of the Year award in June.

‘Audrey epitomizes the spirit of accomplishment through tenacity, the drive for excellence, and the unwavering perseverance that defines a true achiever,’ said Talana Hinson, CHS Speech and Debate teacher. ‘Her journey to becoming the District Student of the Year is not just a testament to her exceptional ability in speech and debate but also a celebration of her unyielding dedication to growth and success. I am incredibly proud to see her dedication and effort recognized with this prestigious award.’