Milbank Debaters Earn Season-End Awards

MHS speech and debate team members received season-end awards during their annual awards banquet April 21. “Students were recognized for their achievements throughout the oral interp, debate, and student congress season,” said debate coach Natasha Hartman.

New students received membership certificates to the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). New members included: Kimberlly Aburto, Sara Capp, Jessica Fenhaus, Makayla Johnson, Nathan Loutsch, Claire Mischel, Tori Quade, Caitlin Kroemer and Abigail Weber. Students were also given new seals which they earned by gaining points and advancing in degrees. Rebekah Tuchscherer and Brianna Schreurs earned their Degree of Premiere Distinction this year, which is the highest NSDA degree given.

Top point earners in each grade were: Caitlin Kroemer (9th), Kimberlly Aburto (10th), Connor Lightfield (11th) and Rebekah Tuchscherer (12th). Earning additional awards were: Caitlin Kroemer, outstanding novice oral interp speaker; Rebecca Loehrer, most improved interp speaker; Rebekah Tuchscherer, outstanding oral interp speaker; Nathan Loutsch, outstanding novice debater; Kimberlly Aburto, outstanding novice individual events speaker; Claire Mischel, most improved individual events and debate; Connor Lightfield, outstanding individual events speaker; Rebekah Tuchscherer, outstanding debater; Macie Redmond, team leader; Caitlin Kroemer, outstanding novice congressperson; Tanner Kettwig, most improved congressperson; and Brianna Schreurs, most valuable congressperson.

Coach Hartman and Coach Laura Maag recognized the senior speakers for their dedication. All four seniors were involved in speech and debate during their four years of high school. Seniors recognized were Kala Loehrer, Chris Loutsch, Brianna Schreurs, and Rebekah Tuchscherer.

Photo identification – back row, left to right. Speakers who attended the awards banquet were: Nathan Loutsch, Chase Pinkert, Chris Loutsch, Tanner Kettwig, Rebekah Tuchscherer, Connor Lightfield and Kadon Leddy. Middle row, Coach Natasha Hartman, Sophia Seffrood, Sadie Holland, Maty Lightfield and Caitlin Kroemer. Front row, Trevor Schmidt, Taylor Balling, Makayla Johnson, Jessica Fenhaus, Macie Redmond, and Coach Laura Maag.