Members of Provo High School’s forensics team are the ftoast of the town” after being crowned “co-champions” in the national speech tournament for high schools. The 11-member PHS team tied with Marquette High of Milwaukee, Wis. at the national tourney held in Seattle last weekend under sponsorship of the National Forensic League. Competing were top debate and speech champions from over 300 high schools in the nation. Provo. High and Marquette each scored 83 points. The feat was quite remarkable for the Provans because Marquette, a topnotch private school, had been undisputed national champion for six consecutive years, with a tremendous tradition and record for achievement built up over the years. It was reported that when the result was announced, the thousand young people present from all over the country stood and chorused, “Provo, Provo, Provol” A thrilling moment for the PHS debate and speech champions. Provo went to the tournament as the state forensics champion. Under its coach, Roger B. Moore, the PHS students had won the state seven years in a row. This year they had won more than 200 throphies in competition. The ll team members competed in debate, extemporaneous and impromptu speaking, oratory, dramatic interpretation, and humorous interpretation. The high regard in which individual members are held is indicated by the fact that four senior students – Shane Swindle, Doug Cotton, Jeff Thomas, and Kim Wong – each turned down $15,000 in scholarships from a college on the west coast. Why did they reject such scholarships? Because each already had accepted $4500 annual scholarships for four years Wong at UCLA’ and the other three at Loyola of Los Angeles. Other seniors on the team will be enrolling at BYU and other Utah Schools. The Provo Champions displayed great dedication in preparing themselves for the state and national tournaments, working many hours each day while other students were on vacation. The national victory was especially satisfying for Mr. Moore who leaves PHS this year to transfer to the new Timpview High School. He acknowledges, incidentally, fine assistance he has had from Ray Jones, speech teacher who provided specialty coaching. Fine parental and administration, and community support also came in for mention. Mr. Moore said in his department “we try to help students to be the best they can be and treat them as though they are the champions we know they can become.” All in all, the PHS program has been highly successful, with a tradition built up that has brought honor and glory to the school and its individual participants. The Herald extends hearty congratulations!