Preston Hicks, a senior at Fair Grove High School, has qualified for nationals in Speech and Debate. With the help of his teacher and team, Hicks is excited to see what the competition will bring him.
This year, the NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) Nationals are in Richmond, Virginia on June 14th through 19th. Nationals consist of multiple high schools and middle schools across the country, with all participants competing at large venues throughout the city. Some of the events that take place at Nationals include; Program Oral Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, and Lincoln-Douglous Debate. Hicks will be competing in Program Oral Interpretation (POI).
According to Leroy Barker, the Fair Grove High School Speech and Debate Coach and Theater Teacher, Program Oral Interpretation is a mix of different pieces of poetry and non-poetry to create a message. Furthermore, POI also has a consistent character and story arc throughout the pieces that have been selected.
Barker explained that during NSDA districts Hicks was competing with around 40 other contestants, with the top three qualifying to nationals. Hicks placed fourth, getting a call soon after stating that he was the first runner up. Later on, it was revealed that a contestant wasn’t able to attend nationals, allowing Hicks to go compete.
Barker explained what it’s been like teaching Hicks over the past four years, “I have been coaching Preston in Speech since his freshman year. While he was influenced by previous successful students, I had been his only high school coach. By working with him over four years, I understood what was important to him and where his strengths were.” Barker added, “Preston knows what is meaningful to him and does a great job of finding that source material.”
Over the past four years, Hicks has been preparing for a chance at nationals. He stated, “It’s taken me four years to get here, and I’m very excited.”
Hicks will continue to work hard until nationals, excited to see what this competition will bring him moving forward.
