Homer High School’s Drama, Debate and Forensics team is gearing up to host their annual “Random Acts of DDF” fundraiser on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

DDF has long been an outlet for Homer youth interested in exploring international policy issues, gaining public speaking skills, or performing condensed acting pieces. Students compete at tournaments up and down the Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage. While Homer’s team has been around for at least the last 21 years — according to coach Daniel Allen — other teams on the Kenai Peninsula, like Soldotna High School, only recently got started with the Alaska School Activities Association-backed sport.

Homer’s DDF team captain, senior Raiden Skorski-O’Donnell, is the only student on the team preparing for his final state competition.

“I’m really happy with this team. I’m really excited to see the things they do. This DDF stuff is basically my whole life; I love performing. I just got accepted to Western Washington University in Bellingham to be a performing arts major and the Homer DDF program is what nurtured that. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t work with so many amazing performers and peer mentors through the years.”

Skorski-O’Donnell said he loves acting and the opportunities that DDF has provided him, including the chance to participate in the 2024 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Iowa after qualifying at last year’s state tournament with his original oration. He said former DDF members who had an impact on him over the years included Thea Person, Spencer Co and Logan Dias.

Kayla Kalafut and Marina Co plan to participate at this year’s state tournament in public forum debate, a team-based event where two groups of two students take turns debating a topic during timed rounds in front of a judge. The topic is set ahead of time and students must prepare all information and arguments before the debate.

Lilly White and Kingston Longpre plan to debate Lincoln-Douglas style at state. The public forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate subject for this year’s state tournament is, “The United States should accede to the Rome State of the International Criminal Court.”

As a non-traditional sport, DDF relies largely on student participation fees and money earned through fundraisers such as “Random Acts.”

“Realistically, whatever we make at ‘Random Acts’ is going to offset what we need to pay out of pocket for everyone to go up to state,” Allen said. The team is hoping to raise $2,000 to cover the cost of their trip.

“Random Acts of DDF” will take place on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Mariner Theatre, with a silent auction beginning at 6:30. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $10 for those 13 and older, $5 for those aged 5-12 and those 65 and older, and free for theatergoers under 5. Cash is encouraged for tickets, donations and silent auction items.

This weekend, the team is headed to Soldotna High School for a meet. Students who qualify will head to the state competition Feb. 27 through March 1 at Bettye Davis East High School in Anchorage. The event will be hosted by ASAA, the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Anchorage School District.

To make donations to the “Random Acts of DDF” silent auction or to donate directly, reach out to coach Daniel Allen at daniel.allen@outlook.com.

Reach reporter Chloe at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com or by calling 907-615-3193.