Joplin High School Speech and Debate National Finalists

Two members of the Joplin High School speech and debate team recently attended the National Forensic League national tournament on June 17-22. Junior Adam Blood and senior Kendal Micklethwaite competed in the competition held in Wichita, Kansas.

Adam Blood competed in Original Oratory and Storytelling and Kendal Micklethwaite competed in Lincoln-Douglas 1-on-1 Debate and Impromptu Speaking (speaking on a broad topic with no prior preparation).Adam finished 18th among the best in the nation in Original Oratory with his speech "Through the Eyes of a Blind Man." His speech persuades the audience to slow down and really appreciate the finer things that make up the art in life. Kendal Micklethwaite finished in the Top 60 of the best debaters in the nation, discussing the issues of political oppression and violent revolution.

posted 06/29/07