Local student talks way into national speech competition

Ally Ellis - Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - LRHS junior Declan Traver is taking his speaking talents to the national competition level.

Last month LRHS Speech and Debate club members president Traver and senior vice president Noah Henry competed in the Florida Gulf Coast Catholic Forensics League “Grand Finals” competition in Tampa.

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Traver competed in the “Lincoln Douglas” debate and qualified for the 2019 Grand National Tournament in Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend.

Lincoln-Douglas is a debate between two people arguing for a solution on what side is right. Competitors write a speech for both sides. They are not informed whether they are arguing against or for the topic until they enter the debate room.

“He absolutely amazes me. Declan has only competed in this event twice, and still was able to qualify for the “Grand National tournament.” said LRHS speech and debate team adviser and Engligh teacher Elizabeth Hartley.

“This has been a great season so far, and I really look forward to competing in nationals for the first time ever,” exclaimed Traver.

Henry took part in the “Original Oratory” speech. Original Oratory is a ten-minute memorized speech, written about any topic by that person.

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