Carroll College’s speech and debate program, the Talking Saints, posted a strong showing at a regional tournament hosted by Whitworth University on Oct. 24–25, earning 15 awards among roughly half of the squad who traveled to compete. The results were announced on Carroll’s website during the week of Nov. 6 and highlighted two first-place finishes: Jenna Hammond in Editorial Commentary and Kate Wilkins in Extemporaneous.

The tournament marked more than competitive success for the Helena-based program. Carroll leaders and team organizers used the event as a chance to reconnect current students with alumni, who attended the weekend to support the competitors. That alumni presence, noted in the college’s announcement, underscores an institutional network that can contribute mentoring, program continuity and community engagement for a small liberal arts campus in Lewis and Clark County.

Speech and debate programs operate at the intersection of academic skills and civic preparation. For local residents, the Talking Saints’ performance carries several practical implications. Competitive wins and alumni involvement increase Carroll’s visibility in the region, potentially aiding student recruitment and bolstering community support for campus extracurricular offerings. The development of public speaking, research and critical thinking skills among students also ties into broader civic life, preparing participants for leadership roles in local government, schools and nonprofits.

Institutionally, a successful tournament weekend can be read as evidence of program resilience. That roughly half the squad competed away from campus and achieved a substantial medal tally suggests depth among Carroll’s participants and an ability to marshal resources for travel and competition. The reunion aspect highlights the program’s alumni infrastructure, which can be a key factor in sustaining funding, coaching networks and volunteer support — all relevant to program longevity in a county that relies on small institutions for cultural and civic programming.

While the Whitworth trip provides a snapshot of the Talking Saints’ competitive health, it also offers a reminder of the ripple effects such programs have in Lewis and Clark County. Local stakeholders—from parents and educators to civic leaders—benefit when colleges maintain active extracurricular offerings that connect students with alumni and the broader community. Carroll’s post-tournament report signals both immediate achievement on the awards list and longer-term value through strengthened ties between current students and former participants.