Mrs. Lisa Whittaker: Sponsor
Mrs. Whittaker is excited to be the sponsor of the Speech and Debate club as writing and knowing how to speak are two important skills to success. When students can write and speak effectively, the world is their oysterJ and good things happen! The club focuses on helping students develop their skills of writing and effective speaking and is open to all students grades 6-12 who are looking to improve their skills in either area; we will also discuss strategies for persuasive writing and speaking and incorporate these into social science topics.
Mrs. Whittaker’s love for education and learning has a long history… because that is her passion. Teaching social sciences! She has taught for over 15 years in Ohio, New Jersey and Florida, as well as various subject areas. Her reason for choosing social studies as her backgrounds is because there is a variety of content areas to examine and learn more about. Mrs. Whittaker’s love of learning is evident in that she is constantly challenging students to learn more, try harder and grow as individuals. She lives in Sarasota, FL and is in her third year with FLVS. Currently, Mrs. Whittaker is a Lead Instructor in Economics and US Government, but has taught here at FLVS both subjects as well as World History; she has also taught US History, sociology, psychology, and civics for grades 6-12. In her spare time, she enjoys all water sports with her husband of 24 years, and two kids ages 12 and 10. Mrs. Whittaker also has 3 dogs who she just adores! Mrs. Whittaker hopes to see you at the next speech and debate club- feel free to drop by and see what this club is all about. |
Mr. Brian Berry: Sponsor
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Mr. Berry is one who loves to debate; which, is why he jumped at the opportunity to Sponsor the Speech and Debate Club. The ability to debate comes natural as we all have opinions, but it takes work to be effective and skillful when debating with others. Sharpening your debate skills is what Mr. Berry and The Speech and Debate Club is all about. His goal is to get students to be able to academically research a variety of subjects regardless of personal opinions - and we will look at some controversial stuff! Who loves controversy? Mr. Berry does! Another goal of his is to help you in your persuasive writing, presentation, and speaking skills.
Mrs. Whittaker is another Sponsor that we have and Mr. Berry is actually a protégé or padawan (for those of you who love Star Wars like Mr. Berry) of Mrs. Whittaker. He was Mrs. Whittaker’s Intern not too long ago and is now in his 2nd year with FLVS where he teaches Economics with Financial Literacy. Go KNIGHTS!!! That’s right Mr. Berry is a UCF Knight where he studied Social Science Education. His love and passion for education is evident. Mr. Berry knows that we are all different and bring a lot to the table as he had the opportunity to study and teach abroad in the Czech Republic (very cold). J This opportunity only affirmed for Mr. Berry that Education is a tool that is something that is limitless and knows no bounds. It is his goal to ensure that all of his students discover this notion and learn from others as he still continues to do. Besides traveling to cold destinations, Mr. Berry loves to Sky-Dive! J Mr. Berry would love to see more debaters at the next meeting to get their debate on. |
Elizabeth Carley Gray: President
Elizabeth Carley Gray is the Speech and Debate Club’s President. She is Eighteen years old and this is her third year in FLVS. She is a senior is graduating this year (C/O 2017)!! Elizabeth Carley is truly honored to be a part of such an amazing club that is filled with hard working and dedicated people. From a very young age, she has been inspired to help others. Her goal this year is to help students find their voice and stand up for what they believe in.
Elizabeth Carley loves debating, photography, swimming, and going to the mountains. Carley has spent four years volunteering at her local hospital and has found a love for the medical field. Carley’s dream after high school is to major in Pre-Med at LEE University in Cleveland Tennessee and become a doctor. This year Carley is looking forward to growing as a club while maintaining a family atmosphere. Carley truly feels like Speech and Debate Club is a place of no judgement where people are able to express their true feelings on a topic. This year she is excited about future debates on hard hitting topics. She wants people to come out of there comfort zones and see things differently. If you would like to join, you can give her an email anytime at [email protected]. She looks forward to hearing from you. |
Katherine Meikle: Vice President
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Hey guys! I'm Katherine Meikle and I'm a junior in high school.
I've with with FLVS for 6 whole years, which I still can't believe! I absolutely love this school and am proud to be a member of several of its fantastic clubs. I am the Student Ambassador Club President, the News in a Click (Newspaper) Opinion Editor, the former Secretary for Student Council, a Design Team Member of Yearbook, an Actors Committee Member of the Fine Arts Club, and of course the Vice President here at Speech and Debate. I love old things and collect vintage cameras, ads, and books. Going to flea markets and thrift stores is a fun pastime of mine, and so is writing, couponing, acting, gardening, knitting, and.... eating, haha! My favorite foods are pasta with chicken soup, plain cheese pizza, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and potatoes of pretty much any kind. I prefer cake to pie and really don't like pickles or celery! Going back on to a serious note, one of my favorite things to do is use creativity to make things easier for others. I am so grateful for the opportunity clubs provide for me to put ideas into action to solve problems, create fun activities for others, and bring along exciting changes. |
Vanessa Toomey: Secretary
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Hiya! My name is Vanessa, but my classmates and teachers call me Nessie~ I'm in 7th grade, and 13 years old!
Besides S&D, I love photography and art! I've never actually gotter a C or lower before in a report card! Ive only earned A's and B's in my entire life. I have a pet bunny named Ophelia von Schweetz, and shes just the sweetest Netherland Dwarf rabbit in the world. I live in Orlando!!! I was a 1st degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, though I have ended my TaeKwonDo journey about 1 year ago. Fun fact! I have mild Tourette Syndrome, and FLVS has helped me deal with it so much. I enjoy school, friends, family, animals, art, and the INTERNET! "Leave the past, live in the moment, learn for the future." |
Bryanna Watts: Editor-In-Chief
Bryanna Watts is the Speech and Debate’s Editor – in – Chief for the club magazine. She is 13 years old and this is her second year of FLVS. Bryanna is thankful that the club trusted her with such an important and difficult position. When she was very young, she knew that she wanted to help people any way that she can, whether it was being a doctor, marine biologist, teacher, or vet. Her goals this year are to make more long term friends, help students find their voice and help them use it.
Bryanna loves to play volleyball, go on walk in the park, and to volunteer at her church. Even though she had had a hard time adjusting to homeschooling, and finding what career path she wants to take, she has finally decided that if her career as a professional volleyball play doesn’t work out then, she will either go back to school to become a writer or marine biology. Bryanna has not found her dream college yet, but she is still working on it. This year Bryanna is looking forward to seeing how she can be a critical part of the Speech & Debate Club, what new long term friends she will make, how she will improve the club magazine, and how she can help the students. She really feels like the Speech & Debate club is a place where she can find her voice and help other do the same. She is really excited about hitting the ground running on hard debate topics and what others think about a topic. If you would like to join the magazine club or the Speech & Debate club, please feel free to email the President Elizabeth Carley Grey at: [email protected]. We cannot wait to hear from you. J |