DRIPPING SPRINGS  — Seven Dripping Springs High School speech and debate students qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament after competing at the Heart of Texas District Tournament on March 22-23 at Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville.

In World Schools Debate, Jackson Berthelsen, Colton De Los Santos, Will McAdams and Alexander Seshan were selected to represent the district at the national tournament. Liam Ianiro and Zoey Parks qualified in Big Questions Debate and Alicia Hernandez was a qualifier in Program Oral Interpretation.

DSHS Speech and Debate coach Davy Holmes was honored with the Heart of Texas NSDA District Coach of the Year award. In addition, the program was recognized with the Leading Chapter award. Leading Chapter schools are recognized based on student participation throughout the school year and must have previously achieved NSDA’s Charter School Status.

The National Speech & Debate National Tournament will be held June 16-21 in Des Moines, Iowa.