Oxford Seeks Debate Tournament Judges

OXFORD, Miss. (Press Release) — The Oxford High School (OHS) Speech and Debate team is seeking volunteers to serve as judges for the University of Mississippi Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28.

The University of Mississippi hosts high schools from around the state and southeast region who will compete during the tournament in the Student Union.

“Volunteers do not need to have previous experience in speech and debate,” said Dr. Barbara Lowe

who teaches speech and debate and acts as the OHS Speech and Debate team sponsor.

Community volunteers can judge as long as they would like; they do not have to be present during

the entire tournament. Each round of the tournament lasts about an hour to an hour and a half.

“We are extremely gracious for any amount of time anyone can devote to volunteering during the

tournament,” said Lowe. “I can promise our volunteer judges will thoroughly enjoy the experience!” !

The tournament gives high school students an opportunity to put their speech and debate skills that

they learn in the classroom into practice. Students are required to research topics and practice after

school to prepare for tournaments throughout the school year.

Competition begins Friday, March 27 at noon and goes until 11 p.m. with the event kicking back up

Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 a.m. in the morning. The tournament will conclude with an awards

ceremony Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Anyone interested in serving as a judge can contact Dr. Barbara Lowe at (662) 801-2166 or email

blowe@oxfordsd.org.