Speech, Debate Students Qualify for Nationals

By Bailey Metcalf

The West High Speech and Debate Team has five qualifiers to compete in Nationals to represent Tennessee. The team has worked really hard in order to reach this great achievement. This is the first time that West High School has had a freshman qualify for Nationals.

Emory Starcher (Top Left), Rylee Linkous (Top Right), Cayden Keltgen (Bottom Left), Kimber Strumski (Bottom Middle), Delaney Miksa (Bottom Right). Photo by Suzanne Terry

The five qualifiers are:

• Emory Starcher (Senior) --2nd Duo/3rd Humorous Interp

• Cayden Keltgen (Junior) --2nd Duo/2nd Humorous Interp

• Rylee Linkous (Junior) --6th Dramatic Interp

• Kimber Strumski (Sophomore) --3rd Dramatic Interp

• Delaney. Miksa (Freshman) --6th Program Oral Interp

Speech and Debate qualifiers have until June to prepare for Nationals. The National Competition was supposed to be held in Des Moines, Iowa; however, due to Covid-19, the team will be competing online. Every competition this year has been held online.

Mrs. Suzanne Terry, the students’ mentor, is very proud of her students. She said, “I am so proud of their determination, grit, and for not giving up when things become challenging. They are without a doubt some of the kindest students I have ever taught! We are so excited to have the very first freshman for West qualify to Nationals!”