From Unalaska to Juneau-Douglas, 24 schools and more than 250 students competed in drama, debate and forensics events in Anchorage last weekend.

Homer High School was in the midst of the action, with more students breaking into elimination rounds than ever before.

“But more than that, the students were respectful, helpful and in general a joy to be around,” said Head Coach Amy Johnson. 

The only part of the meet separated by school size were the sweepstake awards, with schools divided into 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A. Homer fell into the 2A classification. Points in sweepstake competition were awarded by placing high in preliminary rounds, as well as final rounds.

Individual events were divided into three preliminary rounds.

“Then, based on the size of the pool, the events break either into semi-finals or finals,” said Johnson. Each semi-final and final rounds are judged by a three-judge panel.

Public-forum debate, the only debate in which HHS competed at this tournament, included five preliminary rounds for each of the 27 competing teams before the top eight teams broke into quarter-finals. Those eight teams proceeded into an elimination bracket.

Homer’s results included:

Individual/Pair Awards

Second place, public forum debate: Robert Hockema and Lindsey Schneider, who lost in finals to an undefeated team.

First place, duo interpretation: Jonas Noomah and Evan Boyer. This is the second year in a row they have been state champions.

Fifth place, solo acting: Jonas Noomah.

Fifth place, duet acting: Evan Boyer and August Kilcher.

Sixth place, pantomime: Evan Boyer and Zane Boyer.

Third place, domestic extemporaneous speaking: Robert Hockema.

Semi-finals, humorous interpretation: Lauren Jones.

Semi-finals, humorous interpretation: Shenandoah Lush.

Whole Team Awards

1A-2A-3A Academic Award (highest GPA)

Third place, 1A-2A-3A drama sweepstakes.

Third place, 1A-2A-3A forensics sweepstakes.

Second place, 1A-2A-3A debate sweepstakes.

Third place, 1A-2A-3A overall sweepstakes.