Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District prides itself on cultivating a culture of powerful communicators. In the realm of competitive speech and interpretation, the journey of Allison Giron and Katelyn Ledbetter stands as a testament to the values we instill in our students. This past weekend, our students had the opportunity to showcase their talent at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, which is widely recognized as "the pinnacle of public speaking." Approximately 1,500 schools and 6,700 students from across the United States gathered for the largest interscholastic competition.
High school junior Allison Giron achieved a remarkable feat by placing in the top 120 out of 540 contestants in the Prose category. Meanwhile, middle school student Katelyn Ledbetter navigated the competitive landscape of Humorous Interpretation with skill and poise. Having advanced to the semi-finals, Katelyn displayed her comedic timing and storytelling finesse, securing a commendable 10th place in the national rankings. However, Katelyn's journey didn't stop there. With a flair for dramatic renditions, she forged ahead to the finals and ultimately claimed 6th place in the country—an unprecedented achievement for our district.
Allison Giron and Katelyn Ledbetter's journey to Nationals is a testament to the importance of nurturing talent and investing in extracurricular activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Their accomplishments underscore the collective effort of educators, mentors, and a supportive community in shaping the next generation of leaders.