Helena High School seniors Tiphani Lynn and Audrey Dufrechou debated against each other last year when Lynn attended Great Falls High. This year, however, they were able to join forensic forces to earn the coveted state championship in policy debate.

Their winning argument, at the recent tournament in Kalispell, was about service learning in school. They argued on the negative side of the current high school policy debate resolution, which asks students to address whether the U.S. government should establish a policy that increases the number of people serving in one of the several national service programs.

The judges said they won because of their passion, Lynn said adding that she hasn't taken a personal opinion regarding the issue.

Lynn is new to the team this year, but being a rookie to the team didn't affect the amount of experience she brought to the table. This is her fourth year in policy debate, which she claims is the best event one could participate in on the speech and debate team.

She credits much of her success this year to her coach and mentor, Don Progreba.

"He can take anyone with a brain and make them a champion," Lynn said. "He is the best coach in the state."

Dufrechou, who is a two-time state champion in policy debate, agrees and says she joined the HHS team because she heard that Progreba was a good coach and teacher.

One of the skills Lynn has acquired from the team is effective researching; she says that composing a 10 to 20 page paper isn't daunting at all.

Dufrechou has improved her writing and her presentation skills. She says she can now think faster and talk faster.

"I thought it (speech and debate) was for witty people, which I wasn't," she said. "I'm quick on my feet to think now."

Even with those skills gained they say the whole goal is to grow as people. They say the atmosphere at speech and debate tournaments is very intense and competitive and the challenge, at times, is to make positive relationships in the midst.

"Some people take it too seriously," Lynn said. "What is really important is disseminating a message, researching and making friends."

Dufrechou and Lynn, along with the rest of the HHS speech and debate team, as well as the Capital High School speech and debate team are heading to Missoula this weekend for the National Forensic District League Qualifier.

The Helena High Speech and Debate ended the regular season on a strong note, placing 6th overall and 1st in debate sweepstakes at the AA State Speech and Debate meet in Kalispell.

The team was led by seniors Audrey Dufrechou and Tiphani Lynn, who placed first in policy debate after an undefeated tournament. Dufrechou won policy debate at the state tournament last year, making her the first repeat champion in 15 years. Seniors Sean Dennison and Pat McCue placed third, and Joel Wilson and Anne Runkel reached the octafinal round.

In Lincoln Douglas debate, Lindsay Johnson placed 6th, while Greg Eliason reached octafinals.

Coach Don Pogreba, who was nominated as a finalist for AA Coach of the Year called the debate team's success "the result of a real sense of team unity and effort the last two weeks of the season."

In speech, Keegan Boyar and Hannah Schweitzer reached semifinals.