Vinton-Shellsburg High School has a big opportunity next year, when the school will serve as the host of one of the State Speech contests.

But there is also a challenge: VSHS speech teachers Le Cox and Eric Upmeyer 80 judges need to recruit and train 80 judges for that contest. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 29, there will be a 90-minute training session for judges, beginning at 7 p.m. in the VSHS library. 

The cost is $5, but Cox said the judges are paid well for the day-long event. 

Upmeyer said the only qualification needed for someone wanting to be a judge is an interest in helping high school speech students. 

A district speech contest took place a few years ago in Vinton, and Cox led a similar training class before that event. 

For more information, contact Cox at the high school at 319-436-4728.