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Brentwood Academy students place in national speech competition

Five Brentwood Academy Students Place in National Speech Competition

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (June 18, 2016)–Out of more than 5,500 students and 400 schools nationwide, Brentwood Academy’s Speech and Debate team earned a School of Excellence Award at the 2016 Speech and Debate Association National Competition in Salt Lake City. The team award came after a week for the BA history books—five BA competitors qualified in four different categories for the top 14 (semifinals) out of 250 in each group: Maddie Jarrard placed 10th in Original Oratory; Brandon Black and Cooper Smith placed 11th in Duo Interpretation; Kayla Williamson placed 9th in Program Oral Interpretation; and Grace Smith placed 10th in Humorous Interpretation.

Brentwood Academy’s Speech and Debate team, coached by faculty member Ryan Hubbard, qualified seven students to compete at this year’s national tournament after each orator placed first or second in his or her category at the state level.  As a whole, the team competed in dozens of local and national competitions over the past nine months, leading up to the National Association’s week-long competition in Salt Lake City.

The National Speech & Debate Association was created in 1925 to provide recognition and support for high school and middle school students participating in speech and debate activities. The first National Tournament was held in 1931 at Ripon College with 49 schools from 17 states in attendance. It has grown to include more than 400 schools nationwide with orators competing in 19 different categories ranging from policy debate to dramatic and humorous speaking events. Students who participate in the competitions typically work year-round to research and craft the pieces they present at local, regional and national tournaments throughout the year.

The National Speech & Debate Association, previously known as the National Forensics League, believes communication skills are essential for empowering youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our global society. The organization exists to foster excellence in young people through competitive speech and debate activities.

NatQualifiers

Grace Smith, Brandon Black, Cooper Smith, Coach Ryan Hubbard, Maddie Jarrard, Katherine Nesbitt, Emmy Hickman, Kayla Williamson