Help Speech & Debate Travel to Nationals
![large group of students holding awards standing on marble staircase]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776180687/avonschoolsorg/gtb9kvkox5meudx5zmxu/SpeechDebateNationals261600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776180687/avonschoolsorg/gtb9kvkox5meudx5zmxu/SpeechDebateNationals261600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776180687/avonschoolsorg/gtb9kvkox5meudx5zmxu/SpeechDebateNationals261600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776180687/avonschoolsorg/gtb9kvkox5meudx5zmxu/SpeechDebateNationals261600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776180687/avonschoolsorg/gtb9kvkox5meudx5zmxu/SpeechDebateNationals261600x900px.png","width":1600}])
Help Speech & Debate Travel to Nationals
by Linda Langford, Co-Coach
AHS Speech & Debate Team Headed to Nationals
Avon High School's Speech & Debate team is headed to Richmond, Virginia, June 14–20, for the National Speech & Debate Tournament, and they are bringing one of the program's strongest groups of competitors yet.
A total of 12 students qualified to compete at Nationals through the Hoosier Crossroads District Competition, held on March 7 at Bloomington South High School. To advance at Nationals, students must place in the top two of their event. Qualifying this year are Doyin Akande, Rodiat Gbadamosi, Nancy Orogun, Janani Devendran, Jay Desai, Sam Johnson, Noah Johnson, Santiago Jimenez, Kennedy Berry, Jenna Oussey, Kayden Saylor, and AJ Sandullo. Additionally, Andrew Onochie is applying for the WSD District Team, and Idowu Adeleke will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier.
District Honors
The Hoosier Crossroads District also recognized two outstanding Avon staff members at this year's competition. Matt Shockley received the Hoosier Crossroads Administrator of the Year award, and assistant coach Larry Alcorn was named HC Assistant Coach of the Year.
Head Speech Coach Linda Langford shared the following about Matt Shockley: "Because of Matt's continued support of our program, the Avon Speech Team has experienced tremendous growth. When I began leading the program in 2020, we had only seven students involved. Today, we have grown to nearly 100 students. During that time, our students have won, among other awards, two 3A IHSFA Speech State Championships, and with Matt's support, we were also able to start the Avon High School's competitive debate team."
On Larry Alcorn, Coach Langford shared, "Larry is deeply loved by his students. They appreciate his ability to find humor within a piece, his thoughtful and intelligent interpretations of literature, and his calm and steady approach to coaching. His philosophy of 'control what you can control' has helped many students manage the pressures of competition and life."
Support the Team
Fundraising has begun to support the team as they head to Richmond. If you would like to contribute, tax-deductable donations can be made through the Avon Education Foundation. Simply select "Directed Donation" under "My Donation Is For" and enter "AHS Speech & Debate" in the comments field so funds are properly directed.
Avon High School is proud of every student representing the Orioles in Richmond this June. Go Orioles!
- AHS
- Community