Letter To the Editor: Recognizing Speech and Debate students
It was my pleasure to serve as one of the judges for the Speech and Drama invitational Championship event this past Saturday, Feb. 21. The event took place at Parsons High School. The competition began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 3 p.m.
While I celebrate the athletic achievements of high school students, the students I saw Saturday deserve recognition for what they do. All too often the image of Southeast Kansas is one of an aging population. Yet, in our midst are talented, dedicated, academically achieving students. It is an honor to have them and their teachers in our area.
There were approximately twelve different events including, but not limited to, speeches, improv drama, planned duet drama, presenting original speeches, dramatically presenting short stories, reading poetry, persuasive speeches, etc. Most students participated in three events.
Students who presented speeches spoke for ten minutes, using research sources, without notes or scripts. In an improv event, students were given four nouns and five minutes to prepare a ten-minute skit.
Students represented the following schools: Louisburg, Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Girard. Oswego and Independence. Since Parsons was the host, local students could not participate.
Because of the travel time some of these students arose as early as 4:45 AM. The bus left Louisburg at 5:00 AM. The students were well-dressed, prepared and exuded professionalism.
What I experienced Saturday was consistent with what I experienced the previous two years as well while serving as a judge for this event.
