An Interview: Matt Wilson, Happy Valley High School
Hear our interview with Matt Wilson of Happy Valley High School, one of our school partners in Elizabethton, Tennessee!
c/o Matt Wilson
Tell us about your school.
Elizabethton, Tennessee is located in the Appalachian Mountains. I was introduced to Speech and Debate through my daughter who competed at a different high school in the area. I saw the amazing effect it had on her life. She went from a shy quiet kid in Appalachia to a student at Ohio State University with theater and academic scholarships. When I had the opportunity to teach at the high school level, I knew I would give this opportunity to my students. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Speech & Debate. It truly is a paradigm shifter in the lives of students.
Tell us about your team.
Our team is entering its 4th year of existence at Happy Valley High School.
Our first team only had 6 students, and now in our 4th year I have about 30 kids on the team. This year I've also started a middle school team and am looking forward to seeing them grow as people.
Which events do you participate in?
Dramatic Interpretation (DI), Duo Interpretation (DUO), Humorous Interpretation (HI), Poetry (POE), Program Oral Interpretation (POI), Prose (PRO), Storytelling (STO), Impromptu (IMP), Informative Speaking (INF), International Extemporaneous Speaking (IX), Original Oratory (OO), Original Spoken Word Poetry (SW), United States Extemporaneous Speaking (USX), Congressional Debate (House & Senate) (CON), Public Forum Debate (PF)
How could additional funding help your school?
I would like to request $500 to pay for NSDA team memberships for the high school and middle school as well as individual NSDA memberships for the kids. Any leftover funds would be used for tournament fees.
