Orono High School speech and debate team honored at the State House

Posted: April 12, 2016 | Senator Dill

Sen. Dill with Rep. Tipping-Spitz and Speech and Debate Team 3.17.16 for CCThe Orono High School speech and debate team was recently recognized by the Legislature for their success in the 2016 Maine District Tournament of the Maine Forensic Association.

Sen. Jim Dill of Old Town and Rep. Ryan Tipping-Spitz of Orono presented members of the team with a Legislative Sentiment honoring their achievements. All members of the team placed in the top four of their events.

Five members of the team were state champions in their respective category and qualified to compete at the National competition in Salt Lake City, Utah:

  • Melissa St. Peter in Humorous Interpretation;
  • Alex Fergusson and Sam Sheppard in Duo Interpretation;
  • Joe Sheppard in informative; and
  • Jessie Walker in Poetry.

They are pictured with Sen. Dill and Rep. Tipping-Spitz.

Members of the team include: Alex Fergusson, Anna Fergusson, Isaiah Grace, Genevieve Rumsey, Joe Sheppard, Sam Sheppard, Dorothy Smith, Melissa St. Peter, Thor Van Walsum, Jessica Walker, Lindsay Wells, Emily Witham, Elijah McGill, Ben Amar, Phoenix Eastman and Keegan Gray. The team is coached by Victoria Gram.