Walpole High School Junior Captures First Place in Area Speech Team Tournament

Walpole High School junior Valerie Lancy had no prior experience to giving speeches competitively until joining the school’s Speech Team this year.

The rookie member has found instant success on the team, recently capturing first place in novice reading at a Speech Team Tournament held at Needham High School, according to The Rebellion.

WHS reporter Kinsey Hirae reported in the student-newspaper that Lancy has seen her scores improve at every tournament she has attended – something that is rare for a new member. Lancy’s skill set includes original poetry, novice reading and creative writing.

“It’s a chance to get out of your shell and show people the other side of who I am,” Lancy told Hirae of the WHS Speech Team.

Hirae reports Lancy hopes to get into acting while studying in college. Her aspirations of acting are sparked when she is able to read off a role and become someone else.

“She has great pacing and comedic timing,” said WHS English teacher and Speech coach Ms. Loflin. “She is a shining star.”

The regular season, according to Hirae has ended, but Lancy and the rest of the WHS Speech Team will compete in a Massachusetts State Competition this April.

To read Hirae’s story in its entirety, click here.