July 9, 2021

USC grad places eighth at national speech competition 

Maddie Nolen, a 2021 graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, placed eighth in Original Spoken Word Poetry at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals. The virtual event, which included hundreds of teams and thousands of competitors from across the country, was held June 14-19, 2021.

In addition to breaking the top 10 in Original Spoken Word Poetry, Maddie finished 42nd in Humorous Interpretation, 32nd in Prepared Prompt Speaking, and 62nd in Poetry.

“She was the top-scoring Pennsylvania student in each event except Prepared Prompt Speaking, where she was second,” Ben Edwards, USCHS Speech & Debate Team coach, said. “This is the second straight year Maddie advanced in at least three events at nationals.”

Students advanced in Debate with an 8-4 record or better in six preliminary rounds. The top 100 in Speech events made Double Octofinals, Top 60 made Octofinals, Top 24 quarterfinals, Top 12 Semifinals, and Top 6 Finals.

Other top Upper St. Clair High School performers include:

• Rising seniors Ammar Kethavath & Will Bacdayan 30th in Public Forum Debate (top-score in Pennsylvania). Advanced to Round 11.
• Rising senior Rushikesh Kulkarni 65th in International Extemporaneous Speaking and advanced in Commentary (second highest score in Pennsylvania)
• Rising junior Jack Miller 73rd in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking (fourth high score in Pennsylvania)

Also qualifying to Nationals were: 

• 2021 graduates Bryce Keating and Joe Phillips(Duo Interpretation)
• Rising seniors Saif bin Hammad (International Extemporaneous Speaking) and Henry Rainone (Humorous Interpretation)
• Rising juniors Cameron Weber (International Extemporaneous Speaking) and Matthew Hrehocik (International Extemporaneous Speaking)
• Rising sophomore Aarav Patil (Informative Speaking)

The Upper St. Clair High School Speech & Debate Team is coached by Mr. Edwards, social studies teacher, and Mr. Dave Watson, English teacher.