43
Canfield student receives speech and debate scholarship
By Justin Wier
CANFIELD
Surrounded by trophies documenting his many achievements and flanked by his parents, Canfield High School senior Zachary Bernat signed a letter of intent Thursday to attend Western Kentucky University in the fall.
Bernat won’t be participating in athletics at Western Kentucky, however. He’s going to be a member of its forensics, or speech and debate, team.
When Bernat began participating in speech and debate, he didn’t even know college forensics existed. Now he’s receiving a scholarship to participate at one of the top universities.
“It’s one of the most amazing feelings in the world,” Bernat said.
He had sent his information to other schools, including University of Alabama and Ohio University, but Western Kentucky stood out.
“Western Kentucky University was the one that was like the highest I could go,” he said. “So I ended up going with them.”
Bernat was this year’s state champion in the humorous interpretation category. The National Speech and Debate Association has him ranked No. 1 in the category nationwide.
Canfield Speech and Debate coach Jeremy Hamilton said Western Kentucky has a reputation for recruiting top humor students across the country.
“The fact that they reached out to Zach puts him in elite company,” Hamilton said.
In 12 years, Bernat is the first of Hamilton’s students to sign a letter of intent. He acknowledged the unique nature of the event and said the school wanted to acknowledge the honor.
“We’re showcasing the talents of Canfield kids in a variety of aspects,” he said.
Bernat is the first of four state champions Hamilton has coached who will go on to compete at the collegiate level. Hamilton said Bernat has a jovial spirit and energy that gives him an edge over his competitors.
“When he walks into a room with that smile and that charisma and that presence, I think his opponents realize they don’t have that great a chance of winning,” Hamilton said.
Canfield High School Principal Mike Moldovan mentioned the honor at Wednesday night’s board of education meeting.
“I’ve never heard of a student receiving a scholarship not based on grades, but just on his abilities and speech and debate,” Moldovan said.
Bernat plans to major in communications and minor in either theater or business at Western Kentucky. After that, he wants to move to Chicago and join the Second City improv troupe. His ultimate goal is to be a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”