The Burns Middle School speech team capped its 2025-26 season with a strong showing at the Junior State Speech competition, earning a School of Distinction award while competing against 29 schools from across Kentucky.
In just its second year, the program tied for 14th place overall at the state competition, marking a significant milestone for the team despite a season shortened by winter weather cancellations.
Students from Burns competed in several categories, including broadcasting, poetry, duo acting, impromptu speaking, dramatic interpretation, and improvisational duo acting.
“I am so proud of them for taking chances, learning to accept constructive feedback, and showing up even on the hard days,” said speech team coach Haley Dunn.
Several Burns students achieved notable finishes at the state level. Aristotle Brown and Kasen Shown ranked among the top 12 students in Kentucky in the broadcasting category. London Wright and Addison Cooper advanced to the quarterfinals in improvisational duo acting, placing them among the top 24 in the state.
Wright also teamed with Amelia Anderson in duo acting, where the pair advanced to the finals and finished sixth statewide.
Other team members also contributed to the school’s overall point total, including Nate Miller, Kaisen Ray, and Brentley Berry, who competed in impromptu speaking and broadcasting.
According to Dunn, some students completed as many as six rounds of competition within a 24-hour period during the event.
Dunn said the experience helped students grow in confidence and communication skills.
“Regardless of placements, all of these students have developed life skills and confidence that will carry with them throughout their lives,” she said.
Eighth-grader Amelia Anderson said the program has helped her develop both friendships and confidence.
“Speech has given me opportunities to make connections with others and build my confidence in speaking,” Anderson said. “I have learned so much, made friends, and had a lot of fun.”
Burns Middle School Principal Kendra Bronsink said the team’s success reflects both the students’ dedication and the opportunities provided through the program.
“The Foxes’ Den is so proud of the success the speech team has experienced this year,” Bronsink said. “These students have shown so much growth in such a short amount of time. I’m grateful that Ms. Dunn has provided them with the opportunity to try something new, which has built confidence and leadership skills in each of these students.”
Bronsink said she looks forward to seeing how those skills continue to benefit students in the future.
“I can’t wait to see the future opportunities made available to these students because of the skills they have fostered while competing this year,” she said. “This club showcases the great students we have at Burns Middle School who are making a difference in and around our community.”
Dunn said she hopes to expand speech opportunities throughout the district in the future, including encouraging the development of additional teams at other schools.
“My future goals are to continue to grow not only the Burns team, but also help create other teams within the district so all students can be provided with these opportunities,” Dunn said. “I also hope to provide my students with more speaking opportunities within the community and strengthen the culture of belonging.”
