Headrick makes history as national speech and debate champion

Taylor Headrick, senior-to-be at Highland High School and member of the speech and debate team, was crowned national champion in the category of Humorous Interpretation at the 2018 National Speech and Debate Tournament, June 17-22 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
She is the first female in Ohio to win in that category and the first Highland student to win a national championship in speech and debate.
Headrick competed against the top 246 in the nation in the Humorous Interpretation category, advanced to the final six then emerged the winner, earning 30 points more than her nearest competitor. She received the Bruno E. Jacobs Award for winning the final round, in addition to $3,750 in scholarship money.
Headrick’s humorous interpretation was based on “The Rocky Junction Rumor” by Christa Krewdston. Headrick worked many months to perfect her timing, delivery and characterization.
Headrick, the daughter of Christopher and Tanya Headrick of Sharon Township, plans to pursue a career in acting and communication.
The Highland speech and debate team includes 58 members coached by Suzette Burtoft and assistant coaches Tanya Headrick, Audrey Hinneberg, Taylor Bennington and Sharon Dane.
The team was awarded the “School of Honor Award,” and Burtoft received the “Champion Coach Award,” both firsts in Highland history.