CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School seniors and Speech and Debate Team members Charles Nenichka and Connor Ruff have been named Academic All-Americans by the National Speech and Debate Association. The award recognizes academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success, and personal excellence.
Of the 141,000-plus student members of the NSDA, fewer than 500 earn the Academic All-American award each year. Nenichka and Ruff are among the top half of 1 percent of all student members of the NSDA across the country.
Ruff (left) and Nenichka (right) are pictured with Head Coach Mary Morales.
To be considered for the award, students must have completed five semesters of high school, earned the degree of Superior Distinction in the NSDA Honor Society, achieved rigorous criteria for grade-point average and/or test score requirements, and demonstrated outstanding character and leadership.
“This national award recognizes individuals who have performed with excellence in Forensics and Academics,” Morales said. “Charles and Connor achieved this distinction also while fulfilling their responsibility as co-presidents of the team and being involved in the school’s soccer team as well. They are great models of striving for excellence in every undertaking.”
The National Speech and Debate Association was established in 1925 to provide recognition and support for students participating in speech and debate activities. Its mission is to connect, support and inspire individuals and schools devoted to giving middle school, high school, and college students access to speech and debate.
— Carolyn Kramer Tillman