[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 86 (Monday, June 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING PARTICIPANTS IN NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE NATIONAL DEBATE 
                               TOURNAMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB BISHOP

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 21, 2004

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, as the final day of competition for 
the National Forensic League National Debate Tournament concludes, I 
would like to recognize the students, coaches, and judges who have 
participated in this year's event. The Beehive Nationals Tournament is 
the culmination of a year-long effort in preparation, practice, and 
persistence. Every competitor at the event has already proven his or 
her superior debate and speech skills by their excellent performances 
at State and regional qualifying tournaments. Furthermore, while other 
high school students got an early start on summer jobs, vacationed, or 
celebrated the break from school, NFL students put in 12-hour days to 
compete in Student Congress, Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, International 
Public Forum Debates and other individual speech and drama 
competitions.
  The National Forensic League was founded in 1925. The first national 
high school speech tournament was held in 1930; 49 schools from 17 
States participated. The majority of the rules that governed the 
tournament in 1930 are still in effect today, providing one of the 
longest running national competitions for high school students. 
Approximately one million high school students have been members of the 
NFL since 1925, and over 30,000 high school students participate in 
NFL-certified events every year.
  As a former high school debate coach, I had the wonderful opportunity 
to participate in the National Forensic League with my students at 
several national debate tournaments. Also, I know what a massive 
undertaking it is to plan and carry out a national debate tournament. 
In 1981, I was on the host committee under D.L. Smith of East High 
School, which organized that year's National Tournament in Salt Lake 
City. I applaud this year's host committee for the time and effort they 
have given to make this event a success. I also congratulate the 
efforts of the National Forensics League for providing students with 
the opportunity to expand their vision of the world through the 
development of public communication skills. I would also like to 
congratulate the teachers who often work after-hours, weekends, 
holidays, and summertime to coach their students. Finally, I would like 
to thank the students and their parents who have dedicated themselves 
to the acquisition of such important, beneficial and life-long skills. 
I encourage students to continue their search to become effective 
communicators. Good communication is the essence of leadership.

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