Speech Team

Head coach Speech Team: Patricia A. Cheney (Patt)                          

Phone: 708.434.3614 or 708.434.3291

Sponsor: National Forensic League Honor Society Chapter 2392

Director: International Thespian Honor Society Troupe #5405

Member: Illinois Theatre Association, USITT, National Forensic League Diamond Coach, Illinois Speech and Theatre Association (ISTA), and EdTA

The Individual Events Program offers a unique opportunity for any student to express his/her individual speaking and dramatic talents in a competitive atmosphere. No audition is required to make the team at this time. Students compete against other schools in 16 areas such as radio speaking, prose, poetry, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, special occasion speaking, informational speaking, special occasion speaking, oratorical declamation, humorous duet acting, dramatic duet acting, dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, original comedy, performance in the round, and group interpretation.

The Speech Team is coached by Patt Cheney. Assistant coaches are Mr. Matt Johnston, Mr. Michael Ashford, Ms. Lynette Welter,  and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. Other coaching consultants/judges include: Ms. Katie Stearns, Mr. Jonathan Saucedo, Mrs. Tracy Strimple, Mr. Avi Lessing, Mrs. Michelle Bayer, Ms. Elizabeth Cheney, Mr. Brian Poust, Ms. Anita Kavuu, Mr. Andy Simon, Ms. Mara Podolner, Mrs. Eileen Nicodemus, Ms. Phyllis Warr, and Ms. Angela Barnaby.

Competitions are on Saturdays from November until January with invitational tournaments, and then the team competes in the IHSA State Series during February, S.C.O.T.I.E. Tournament of Champions, and National Forensic League Districts in March.

Goals of the Speech Team

to continue improve each student's  public speaking and acting skills
to expand the team with new members each year
to meet new people and learn about other schools in Illinois
to qualify for IHSA state championships in February
to continue our history of academic excellence (IHSA Academic Team Honors)
to win,   
and most important, to have FUN!