The Jefferson City High School speech and debate team is seeking judges for a contest it is hosting next weekend.
Called the "Jefferson City Capital Classic," this year will be the 21st time the district has hosted the event. Up to 500 students from across Missouri are expected to travel to the Capital City to participate in the tournament, said Coach Chris Rothgeb.
Students will compete in a variety of forensic events, ranging from public speaking to debate and interpretation of literary selections.
The requirements to judge are rather minimal, Rothgeb said.
"All you need is two full years out of high school," he said. "All of my students are taught that they need to be able to tailor their performance - their style and the appropriate level of communication - to the judge's needs. You don't need any prior knowledge about a topic to be a judge."
The contest is slated for Friday and Saturday at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Rothgeb said, ideally, judges will be able to help all day. But he particularly needs people to volunteer from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
People who are interested in volunteering can call Rothgeb at 632-3482 or sign up at jaydebate.weebly.com.