Dateline: [Mankato, MN, May 17, 2023] — The Greater Mankato Rotary Club held their annual speech and debate lunch at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato. Seniors from all three local high schools who participated in speech and debate this season were awarded a $300 scholarship and given a chance to share their craft with the lunch attendees.
The recipients for the 2023 year were:
Maggy Rusche from Mankato East who was in the extemporaneous reading category.
Maggy’s parents are: Sarah Epplen
Victor Mackey from Mankato East participated in speech across multiple categories and was the co-captain for the debate team.
Victor’s parents are: James Mackey and Cynthia Fuller
Louise Monson from Loyola Catholic School was in the Story Telling category
Louise’s parents are: Mark and Angela Monson
Emma Steffen from Mankato West was in the Discussion category and also was in debate.
Emma’s parents are: Gary and Anne Steffen
Klara Lybeck from Mankato West was in the Humorous category
Klara’s parents are: Rick and Karen Lybeck
Desiree Maloney from Mankato West was in the Drama category.
Desiree’s parents are: Marcey Maloney
The coaches for the three schools are:
Mankato East: Jennelle Zarn (Speech) and Melanie Schmidt (Debate)
Mankato West: Amanda Abel and Joy Drexler
Loyola: Tamara Zwaschka
The Mankato Rotary Club has recognized outstanding speech students for over 50 years. The reason for doing this each year is unlike sports activities, theatre, music, or dance, speech and debate students work is an ‘unseen’ activity. It is easy to attend a track meet or a basketball game, play or concert. Speech and debate tournaments are difficult for supporters to attend so this is a great way to recognize the activity and the students’ accomplishments. We are also entertained each year by one student from each school who performs a piece from their category. All seniors received a $300 scholarship and a plaque for their respective schools.
Maggy Rusche from Mankato East who was in the extemporaneous reading category.
Maggy’s parents are: Sarah Epplen
Victor Mackey from Mankato East participated in speech across multiple categories and was the co-captain for the debate team.
Victor’s parents are: James Mackey and Cynthia Fuller
Louise Monson from Loyola Catholic School was in the Story Telling category
Louise’s parents are: Mark and Angela Monson
Emma Steffen from Mankato West was in the Discussion category and also was in debate.
Emma’s parents are: Gary and Anne Steffen
Klara Lybeck from Mankato West was in the Humorous category
Klara’s parents are: Rick and Karen Lybeck
Desiree Maloney from Mankato West was in the Drama category.
Desiree’s parents are: Marcey Maloney
The coaches for the three schools are:
Mankato East: Jennelle Zarn (Speech) and Melanie Schmidt (Debate)
Mankato West: Amanda Abel and Joy Drexler
Loyola: Tamara Zwaschka
The Mankato Rotary Club has recognized outstanding speech students for over 50 years. The reason for doing this each year is unlike sports activities, theatre, music, or dance, speech and debate students work is an ‘unseen’ activity. It is easy to attend a track meet or a basketball game, play or concert. Speech and debate tournaments are difficult for supporters to attend so this is a great way to recognize the activity and the students’ accomplishments. We are also entertained each year by one student from each school who performs a piece from their category. All seniors received a $300 scholarship and a plaque for their respective schools.