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Parkersburg High School students argue way to recognition on debate stage

From left, Bastet Zyla and Daphne Cockerham, members of the Parkersburg High School Speech and Debate Team, placed at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in May in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Two students in the Parkersburg High School Speech and Debate Team did well in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament on May 27-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bastet Zyla, who graduated in May, was an octofinalist in the Oral Interpretation competition. Zyla is the senior speech captain of the team.

Daphne Cockerham, who will be a junior next school year, made it to the finals and finished fourth in the nation in Declamation.

Eight students from the team qualified at the state tournament earlier this year, said Lori Zyla, debate coach.

“As far as I know, this is the most success that PHS Speech has had at nationals,” Lori Zyla said.

The Parkersburg High Speech and Debate team hopes to recruit new members this year. A free speech and debate camp will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14 at the school. To register, email ldzyla@k12.wv.us.

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