The Richmond Region Speech & Debate Initiative (RRSDI) is sending two representatives from The Richmond Forum to serve as finals judges at the National Speech & Debate Association’s 2019 National Tournament in Dallas, Texas.
Bill Chapman, Executive Director of The Richmond Forum, and Sandra Wheeler, Director of Student Programs who also leads the RRSDI, will judge presentations in the final rounds of the tournament on Friday, June 21st.
The tournament, which runs June 16th through June 21st, draws top students from around the country to participate in contests where they compete in various speech and debate events from dramatic interpretation and extemporaneous speaking to debating the issues of the day. The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) released a list of this year’s topics ahead of the tournament.
“This opportunity speaks volumes about the NSDA’s confidence in Richmond and our Initiative, that they are asking us to serve as judges at the National Tournament,” said Wheeler. “It’s remarkable.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing what speech and debate looks like at the highest levels of competition, and bringing that energy back to Richmond,” Chapman added.
Chapman and Wheeler will be joined by a delegation of Richmond speech and debate stakeholders to explore the possibility of hosting the tournament in Richmond in a future year. Representatives include Jerrine Lee, Richmond Region Tourism; Mike Taylor, Henrico Education Foundation; Siri Wiggins, Board Member and Education Chair of The Richmond Forum; and Darrell Wilson, Virginia High School League.
The NSDA will livestream coverage of finals and awards on its website, starting Thursday, June 20th.
