For the second time, Colton Porter debated his way to the National Tournament.

By Kiran Kelly

Senior debate student Colton Porter has qualified for Nationals for the second year in a row. Nationals consist of the top 2% of the nation, with the top 5% from our district, which is South Dakota and Wyoming.

“It is (nationals) a big deal, so think about it kind of like any other state tournament. It’s the highest level of debate you can do,” says Porter. He is the only student to qualify from Central this year as well as last. Last year’s Nationals were online due to Covid. “It was awkward.” It required him to debate around 30 strangers on a Zoom call.

This year’s Nationals will be in Louisville, Kentucky, and usually the school pays for registration fees and most of the student’s food. Students are expected to cover the rest, including travel expenses.

Porter will not be attending this year as he starts his post-secondary education in Colorado in June, just a week after Nationals.