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Boardman speech team achieves distinction
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Liza Wood (17) and Elena Svenson (18), both of Boardman, are seniors at Boardman High School preparing for their debate at Austintown Fitch this weekend. Its part of practicing for the 2008-2009 Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a series of debates at local schools.
BOARDMAN — Their speaking, debating and acting abilities rank them in the top 1 percent of student forensic programs nationwide.
The Boardman High School speech team earned 310 degrees, or points, by the end of the 2007-08 season, placing them in the National Forensic League’s Societe de 300 — the only Mahoning Valley school to achieve the distinction.
The total also ranked the school 74th in the country.
The school also earned the recognition for the 2006-07 season.
Students compete in two debate categories and nine individual events in Saturday tournaments beginning in late October and running through early March. Members audition before being selected.
“It’s pretty competitive,” said Eric Simione, head speech coach and a history teacher at the school.
This year’s team roster includes 67 students.
Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com