It was a winning weekend for Fayette County High’s debate and speech teams as they racked up awards at various tournaments.

The school’s debate team participated in a tournament at Whitewater High, bringing home trophies in almost every event. Sonika Reddy was awarded second place for Speaker in the Varsity Division. Students receiving speaker awards in Varsity Policy were Stephanie Miller, Kamilah Gray, Trusha Daya and Lesha White.

In addition, Sara Chiles and Melissa Issi-Boube won the Junior Varsity Policy Championship. Sara was also named the top speaker in the Junior Varsity Division.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Fayette County High’s Policy Team was ranked fourth in the state.

Meanwhile, the school’s speech team was also having success at their tournament. Russell Dukes, in his first competition, finished fourth in Original Oratory while classmate Arif Hosein placed third in Speaker in Student Congress and sixth in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Students were not the only ones walking away with awards this past weekend. Debate coach Beverly Kelly won the Mario Herrera Key for Outstanding Coaching. This award is given to coaches who have distinguished themselves in the area of forensic competition. The strength, depth and size of a coach’s program are the determining factors in the awarding of the key.

Also winning an award was Tom Swaffer who received the Winfield Scott Star for Dedicated Service. This honor is awarded to those outside of the coaching community who have provided support for debate programs. Community leaders, parents and school staff and administration are all eligible to receive the honor.

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