After a second place finish at state and a coach of the year award to head coach Greg Adkins, Flathead’s 1996-97 speech team continued receiving accolades last month when they were inducted to the National Forensic League’s (NFL) 200 Club — ranking FHS’ speech team in the top five percent of the nation’s high schools. “The 200 club is made up of the best speech teams throughout the nation,” said the Wisconsin-based National Secretary of the NFL, James Copeland. The National Forensic League is an organization that recognizes speech and debate teams for their accomplishments throughout the year. To be recognized by the NFL, the team has to meet some requirements such as earning 200 or more “degrees” in competition. Flathead earned 259 degrees last year. “The more tournaments they go to, the more points the team earns,” said Copeland. “It’s great how many tournaments Flathead attends.” There are more than 2,700 schools in the NFL, which are ranked in the number of degrees the teams earned during the school year competitions. FHS is ranked 75th out of 2,700, putting them in the top three percent in the 200 club. “When FHS competes they do very, very well,” said Copeland in a Sept. 29 letter to Adkins. “The attainment of 200 degrees is an accomplishment that all members of your squad can share.” Copeland also said in the letter that the speech program is not only teaching students how to speak well in front of groups, but also essential life skills. “What the NFL really honors is the size and quality of the speech program,” said Adkins. “So its a real honor to be in the 200 club. “It’s the fourth consecutive year we’ve done that. I think we’re the first school to accomplish that.” Students returning to the speech team say they are excited about the award and are looking forward to this year. “We worked really hard and always tried to out-do ourselves last year,” said senior Jessica Woods. “We knew we had a powerful team and I think we have a good chance to do it again this year.” Said junior Cheryl Steenson: “Our speech team definitely works harder then any other team and deserves the award.” |
