News & Events

Freshmen Brogan '28, Teaghan '28, and Mia '28 competed Thursday, May 8, 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.

• Brogan argued in support of increased government funding for the United States Coast Guard. His advisor was History Teacher Virginia Scofield.
• Teaghan argued for legal immigration reform as a way to stem illegal immigration. Her advisor was Latin Teacher Lisa Marie Priddy.
• Mia argued that the government should tighten regulations on the music concert industry as a way to control increasing costs. Her advisor was Science Teacher Betsy Guzik.

The judges were Emma Chandler '11, an Upper School Math Teacher, Rachel Thompson, an Upper School Spanish Teacher, and Nora Clingenpeel '25, who won the Ninth Grade Speech Finals in 2022. The winner will be announced at Royster Awards Night.

As Middle School Director Jeff Boyd said as he opened this event in Johnson Theater, making a lengthy speech in front of all your peers is not easy. It requires grit, focus, and dedication. He congratulated all of the freshmen for their hard work.

“It's a gift, the opportunity to stand up here and engage your peers," Boyd said.

Boyd also credited English Teacher Liz Staub, Director of the Ninth Grade Speech Program. Staub helps every freshman through the process, working with them to select topics and begin research, in addition to supporting faculty advisors.

Like Boyd, Staub acknowledged the difficulty of making these speeches. Some find research a challenge, some are afraid of standing on stage, some have trouble choosing their best topic. But a common refrain is that students feel accomplished once they're done.

“That sense of accomplishment is going to carry you," Staub said. “You should be very proud."