Local student places in national speech competition
PARIS, Tenn. — A 2016 graduate of Henry County High School has two big trophies to make room for on his shelf.
Griffin Paschall competed in the National Speech and Debate Association’s national tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 11 – 17. He placed in two separate categories and received a $750 scholarship. This was his second time to qualify for the national tournament as state winner in dramatic interpretation.
According to his coach at Henry County High school, Linda Miller, Paschall has been on the school’s speech team for four years, serving as president his junior and senior years. He ended his four year run as the team’s all-time point leader, winning more than 100 trophies in about 35 speech tournaments. He was also named student of the year for the state by the NSDA coaches.
During his competition in Utah, Pascall performed 27 times and beat out 436 students in prose to finish second. He also beat out 236 students in expository speaking to finish third in that category.
“Griffin is not only a gifted young performer, but has an incredible work ethic and passion for this activity that has inspired countless students whose lives he has touched,” said Miller. “I am so thrilled to see those attributes rewarded.”
Paschall will attend Pace University in New York City this fall.
