06/26/13 The National Forensic League recently recognized State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) for his leadership and public service at the organization’s Congressional Banquet for National Congress Competition Finalists.
An honor society for middle and high school speech and debate, the National Forensic League annually presents the Harold C. Keller Award for Public Service Leadership to a former participant in the national tournament for legislative debate, the National Congress. The nominee must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and public service commitment. In 1987, Head participated in the National Congress and was elected Outstanding Representative in his section, advancing to the Championship Session.
Head said his speech coach and teammates worked hard to help him improve his public speaking, creating an experience that has impacted him well past high school.
“Speech is an extracurricular activity that students can use for the rest of their lives,” Head said. “I benefit from my speech team involvement every day in my work as an attorney, in the legislature and in other aspects of day-to-day living. I recommend it to any high school student who wants a career-relevant skill.”
As a student, Head placed in Indiana’s top 10 in the category of Impromptu Speaking three years in a row and continued on to the national tournament in the Legislative Debate category. At Wabash College, he minored in speech and received an award for public speaking while at Indiana University’s School of Law.
Four high school teachers from Plymouth, Munster and Chesterton nominated Head for the award, citing his support for education and public service as the basis for their recommendation.
“Senator Head is a shining example of the kind of role model so sorely needed by young people interested in politics and public service,” said Adam Jacobi, Congressional Debate Coordinator for the National Forensic League. “This is because he is an independent-minded critical thinker, which is a hallmark of students who have participated in debate activities.”
Head was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony for the National Congress Competition Finals. He addressed hundreds of students, encouraging them to pursue public service even at a young age.
“Society needs young people to be engaged in their communities and to take part in what’s happening around them,” Head said. “Our students truly are the future of this world, and because of that, they can make a major impact through public service, even at a young age. I encourage all students to find an organization or cause that sparks their interest and to become involved in it.”
For more information on the National Forensic League, click here.
