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Speech & Debate team raises the bar!
Emmi Rubera and Lily Ogozalek with awards

Congratulations to Hancock High School seniors Lily Ogozalek and Emmi Rubera, who earned a pair of top-three finishes Saturday, November 9, at the Bar Association Speech and Debate Tournament in Walton. Lily and Emmi placed third in the Duo category and took another third in Impromptu.

“This was an impressive performance in a large tournament with strong competition,” Hancock Speech and Debate Adviser Monica Whitt said.

The trophies come on the heels of a major award for Hancock’s Speech and Debate program, honored last month by the National Speech & Debate Association National Forensic League. NSDA Executive Director J. Scott Wunn informed Hancock via mail that the school earned the 2018-2019 Leading Chapter Award in the Iroquois (NY) District. The district chair will present Hancock’s team with a commemorative plaque during the 2019-2020 district tournament.

Wunn wrote that the honor is the highest a school can receive from the National Speech & Debate Association. Out of more than 3,000 member schools in the country, Hancock was one of 109 schools to receive the Leading Chapter Award.

“Your award reflects 330 members and degrees over 3 years,” he wrote. “The Leading Chapter Award serves as an indication of your relentless dedication to these students and to speech and debate education. Your efforts truly embody our mission to empower youth.”

Posted 11/12/19