Contact: Chad Schneider 925-0341 Media Contact: Misty P. Salaz 277-5851

January 7, 2003 UNM SPEECH AND DEBATE HOSTS STATE HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE University of New Mexico Speech and Debate will host the High School Speech and Debate tournament Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. More than 350 students from New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Florida and California will compete in acting, speaking, debate events and a mock student congress. Plaques will be awarded to the top three students in each of the 14 events. Speaker awards, UNM engraved medals, will be given to the top five speakers in debate events. The top five schools will be awarded sweepstakes, team awards, and the top two small schools will be awarded small schools sweepstakes. A school spirit award and an achievement in character award will be given as well. The event is sponsored by UNM Speech and Debate Society, University Honors Program with endorsements from Recruiting, Public Affairs, Parking Services, numerous local businesses, New Mexico Convention and Visitors Bureau and "Scribendi," the literary magazine for western honors colleges. More than 100 community volunteers have committed to judging the students at various times during the weekend. Any questions regarding this event or volunteering to judge contact Chad Schneider, 925-0341. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Telephone: (505) 277-5813
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