Speech season returns to Chadron High

As the winter season rolls around, it brings along an array of competitive sports and activities. One of these activities is speech, which manages to attract new members every late autumn with its welcoming team and interesting sport.

"You don't have to be the fastest runner or the best shooter; everybody is welcome to join speech," said assistant coach Katy Dobry. "The team always comes together as a family a few weeks into the season, and it's a really cool feeling to be a part of that."

In speech, students choose among different events in which they want to compete. Most events are performed solo (persuasive, poetry, humorous, etc.), but some can be done as a duet or in a group ("OID" - Oral Interpretation of Drama). After choosing the events they want to do, students must either compose their own speech about a topic, or order a script online and cut it down once they receive it.

"Speech really helps the kids, both inside the classroom and out. It's like a paper; you need organization skills, a strong vocabulary, and an ability to present something in front of a group of people. It also helps students gain confidence both inside and out of the classroom," said Dobry.

Speech practices are always held after school until 4:30 or 5:00 in the evening, and are usually laid-back and relaxed. This year's practices will begin on Monday, November 10th, and run until late March. All of the meets are on Saturdays, making those who choose to participate in this sport very dedicated and willing to give up their own time to pursue this passion of theirs.

"I really like coaching speech. As a coach, you get to spend a lot of time with the kids, and forge a bond with them unlike those they may have with other teachers. You really get to know the kids on a different level. It's great to be able to watch all of them grow, especially those who participate in speech all four years of their high school career," said Dobry with a warm smile quickly spreading across her face.