Jillian LeCompte will travel to Louisville, Kentucky in June to compete in the 2022 National Speech and Debate Tournament along with 6,000 other students representing 1,500 school districts across the country.

LeCompte, a junior at Cassville High School, is the daughter of Jill LeCompte, of Cassville, and the late Michael LeCompte. She advanced to Nationals after placing first in the humorous interpretation category at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament (NSDA) at Republic High School in March.

Students who compete in the humorous interpretation category will present a piece of literature, or any published work, in a 10-minute time span with an emphasis on comedic delivery, usually involving character portrayal.

“Cassville Speech and Debate has had a successful season,” said Talana Hinson, CHS Speech and Debate teacher. “I am proud of the multiple hours of practice and commitment to excellence. I was elated to see all of Jillian’s hard work and talent play off by winning first place at NSDA HI. I am excited and optimistic to see her excel in the National Competition and represent Cassville well.”

LeCompte also took 4th place in informative speaking at the NSDA competition. Other students who placed at the tournament were: Kalia Miller, 6th place in program of oral interpretation; Gabe Mooore and Audrey Gautney, 3rd place in policy debate; and Sam Sparkman, semifinalist in DX and INFO. The CHS speech and debate team placed third overall in team sweeps at the competition.