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   This past Saturday, the Walker Talkers traveled to the historic Hibbing High School to compete at their varsity speech tournament. This was another early morning for the team, however, with cooperative weather, the trek was easy. Hibbing High School hosted around 20 schools with 250 entries. There were three preliminary rounds of speaking with The Walker team brought seven competitors and left with three awards. 

Front row L to R: Zoe Cox, Isaias Jimenez-McMurrin, Trevor Kuechle, Elaina Dascalos. Back row: Madison Kendrick, Layla Krueckeberg, Carver Stewart, Jeremy Rich. Photo submitted.

   Layla Krueckeberg earned and honorable mention ribbon in the category of poetry. Zoe Cox advanced to the final round of prose and placed 3rd overall. Madison Kendrick advanced to the final round of drama and placed 2nd overall. In the team awards, Bemidji, Duluth East, and Hermantown placed 3rd through 1st respectively. 

   The season is now in full swing. The Walker Talkers have competed at four varsity tournaments. Additionally, the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade speakers have been competing in local junior high tournaments. Last night, the junior high team traveled to Laporte to compete in their Wildcat tournament. This Friday, the team will head to Detroit Lakes to compete in the Loquacious Laker varsity tournament. 

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