Joseph T. Burns: “on January 27 and 28, a remarkable group of students from Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula, MT, won the State…”

“on January 27 and 28, a remarkable group of students from Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula, MT, won the State B-C Title for Speech and Debate. This is the 23rd consecutive State championship for this squad. I rise today to congratulate this team on their hard work and success. Loyola's accomplishment is truly remarkable. Out of 50 schools competing at the State Tournament, Loyola's squad of 26 students scored 167 points. Twenty-one of these twenty six earned medals. And Paul Stergios and Paul Dallapiazza were the State champions in team debate, while Dan Evans took home the gold in extemporaneous speaking. These events, which focus on current events and policy, are a fantastic educational tool for students to learn about their world and their government. In fact, I have several former Montana team debaters on my staff, including a former State champion in team debate. By winning its 23rd straight State championship, the Loyola Sacred Heart speech and debate team extends its State record for the most consecutive titles in any division in any activity. A lot of things have changed since they won their first title in 1984, but the success enjoyed by Loyola Sacred Heart in speech and debate has remained consistent. Since 1981, over 1,000 students have competed for Loyola Sacred Heart and the team has produced 34 individual State champions and over 225 medalists.…”