Sacred Heart junior Kayla Turner builds on family tradition of strong speech and debate performance

KINGSTON, Mass. - June 3, 2019 - PRLog -- Dan Sapir, Speech & Debate Coach at Sacred Heart School in Kingston, has seen more than a few speech and debate superstars during his years at the school. In reflecting on one of his previous phenoms, he said, "We never thought we'd see another Kory Turner."

Then, along came Kayla.

The Sacred Heart junior continues a strong family tradition of excellent debate performance, and is headed for the Catholic Nationals in Milwaukee later this month. This qualification comes on the heels of some other impressive performances, including the Tournament of Champions, held recently at the University of Kentucky. Sapir said, "This tournament tracks students throughout the school year; and Kayla impressed them enough that they invited her to compete against other students from across the country. She entered several events: Dramatic Interpretation; and Poetry and Oratory Prose. She qualified as a semifinalist in all of the categories she entered, and she was a finalist in the Dramatic Interpretation category. After her performance there and her trip to Milwaukee in a few weeks, she will be headed for the National speech & Debate League in Dallas, which is the biggest event of the year.

Kayla Turner is two years behind her brother, Kory, who had the chance to compete together when they were both students at Sacred Heart.

Sapir said, "They are both extraordinary people! It is rare for two students, especially a brother and sister, from one school to reach this level of competitive success." He said, "Kayla has been on the winning circuit from her junior high days through the present, and we are very excited to see her go to these next events and represent our school. We are all very proud of what she has accomplished."

Sister Myra Rodgers, President of Sacred Heart School, said, "We are very proud of Kayla's accomplishments and wish her the best of luck in the upcoming competitions. We know she will do well! And we thank our Speech & Debate Coach Dan Sapir on his good work with our students."

About Sacred Heart School

Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic school system, serving students throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, from preschool through grade 12. Located on a beautiful, 125-acre campus in Kingston, Sacred Heart provides students with a strong liberal arts curriculum combined with extensive athletic, arts, and extra-curricular activities. Sacred Heart High School was rated the top, co-ed Catholic high school in Massachusetts in 2019 by Niche.com. Sacred Heart School welcomes students of all faiths and diverse backgrounds. For additional information, visit www.sacredheartkingston.com or call 781-585-7511.