Junior Rebecca Brumbaugh and Speech teacher, Mrs. Charlotte Tyree, will be taking part in this summer's Speech class. Photo by: Maggie Morrow
By Maggie Morrow
This summer, the Speech Department will be adding a new course to the summer school classes offered. Speech coach, Mr. David McKenzie, plans to get a head start on the 2011-2012 season by giving students in the competitive speech classes the opportunity to work throughout the summer.
The Summer Program is an alternative to the advanced speech class, following the same curriculum in a different time arrangement. “Because so many of our students have full schedules, this provides an alternative that is designed to make life easier and scheduling a little easier,” said Mr. McKenzie. Junior Rebecca Brumbaugh also hopes that by working in the summer rather than the school year, she will be more prepared for the earlier meets at the beginning of the season. “Maybe this fall, we’ll do some serious damage on schools that won’t know what hit them,” she added.
While the class is open to anyone who has already completed required or competitive speech, students must be members of the Speech team. “If people do not want to compete full time, that can be built into the individual contracts just as it is in the class,” Mr. McKenzie said. There is also a possibility that several students from other schools and competing teams may be joining in this summer.
Like Brumbaugh, students hope to get a head start on the incoming season with their new pieces. Those involved in Original Oratory will be planning, researching, and writing their pieces; while competitors in Interpretation will be choosing their pieces, and preparing them for meets. This simply means that the pieces will be cut down to an appropriate length, mapped out, and memorized.
Mr. McKenzie and some of the other coaches are also hoping to get a few guest speakers including some of the most respected Speech Coaches in the state, such as Bob Kelly of Chesterton High School.
Although a large enrollment is not expected this summer, Mr. McKenzie hopes that as students become more familiar with it, enrollment will rise. The coaches are also currently working to get the class accredited through Ivy Tech, however this will not be effective this summer.