News & Events

Freshmen Ryan B. '29, Isabella H. '29, and Jonah K. '29 competed Thursday, May 7, in the Ninth Grade Speech Finals, a significant milestone in Norfolk Academy's Speech Program. An annual rite of passage into Upper School, all freshmen make these speeches over the course of the school year. They are several minutes long, with students doing their own research and preparation with the support of a faculty advisor. The three with the best grades from faculty compete in the finals.

• Ryan argued in support of high schools requiring community service time.
• Isabella argued that the Environmental Protection Agency should prioritize the Superfund program, which cleans up the nation's most contaminated land.
• Jonah argued for passage of the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act into law. This would direct the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a nationwide study on Holocaust education in states, educational agencies, and public schools.

The judges were Lower School Director Michelle Alexander, Lower School Teaching Associate Patrick Fernando '93, and Upper School Chemistry Teacher Jordan Jarman. The winner will be announced at the Ninth Grade Awards Assembly on May 8.

As Middle School Assistant Director Trish Hopkins said as she opened this event in Johnson Theater, making a lengthy speech in front of all your peers is not easy. It is a good opportunity to face fears in front of a supportive audience. She congratulated all of the freshmen for their hard work.

“You did it and you did it well," Hopkins said.

Hopkins also credited Teacher-Coach Katie Koch, who is in her first year directing the Ninth Grade Speech Program. Koch helps every freshman through the process, while also maintaining connections with advisors, other teachers, and even parents.

Like Hopkins, Koch acknowledged the difficulty of making these speeches. 

“I'm honored to be a part of this truly unique opportunity for every single ninth grader at NA," Koch said. “At the end of the process I often see relief on your faces, but with that is a sense of pride and accomplishment that I hope stays with you whenever you are unsure that you can do a hard thing."