VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City High School Speech and Student Congress Team Junior, Lillian Kiefert, has reached the highest measure of distinction through the National Speech and Debate Association, Premier Distinction. This accomplishment places her in the top tier of students involved in the National Speech and Debate Association. Lillian is the 17th student to reach that honor since Valley City High School became a chapter of the National Speech and Debate Association in 2001. Lillian Kiefert joins the ranks of only 3 students to reach that standing as a junior however. Maggie Oberlander (Class of ’19) and Abby Slyter (Class of ’18).
The National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society recognizes middle school and high school students for participation in speech and debate activities. Students earn distinction through speech and debate competition, as well as community service, public speaking, and leadership activities. Members are eligible to join the Honor Society once they have earned the required number of points.Members of the Honor Society are held to the code of honor, the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership, and service.
Lillian Kiefert is a 4 year speech competitor and 3 year Student Congress competitor. This past Student Congress she represented VCHS in the Senate which is the highest chamber. In speech she has done the events of Extemp Speaking, Impromptu, Dramatic Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, and Serious Duo. Last year at the NDHSAA State Class A Speech Tournament she was named the champion in Dramatic Interpretation and was the runner-up in Poetry Interpretation. Additionally, she was selected to represent the State of North Dakota in World Schools Debate at last year’s national speech and debate tournament in Dallas, Texas. While her World School’s Team did not advance into break rounds, Lillian did advance in the supplemental event of poetry to the top 30 competitors out of almost 300 who started in that event.
(Picture of Lillian Kiefert courtesy of Dutton’s Valley Gallery)