1978 Speech Team takes honors with State Championship
"It seems like this is going to be another rewarding year for the speech and debate team"
Dana Morris, PHS Opinion Staff 1977-78
(L to R) Melanie McNeil, Carolyn Mungo, Morri Douglas, Lee Rubin, Mark Collins, Ann Marie Mungo, Jenni Erbe
1978 Speech Team State Champs
After winning the IHSA and Sectional Speech tournaments, Peoria High School's Speech Team ranked first out of 87 schools in the State Speech Tournament. Carolyn Mungo was the State Championing Declamation, while Ann Marie Mungo garnered two state championships in dramatic interpretation and original oratory. Strengthen underclass team members forecast the continuance of a winning tradition speech Peoria High.
-From the Crest 1978
Article from 1978 Opinion
Speech Coach John Davidson
Debate Coach Jay Glatz
1978 Crest photo of PHS Speech Team
Opinion article 1977
In looking back at PHS Speech and Debate....I found that Debate was started in 1955. The Crests offer a picture of how the school has evolved over the years. Speech and Debate has made a major impact in prior years on the students who have participated. If you don't believe me, well I can think of some great orators out there that graduated from PHS. It just so happens that three Alumni from Peoria High who have learned these skills at PHS have put them to good use in later years. They will be honored as Distinguished Alumni along with other great inductees. wpr
From the Crest 1955
Opinion Article February 1977, Courtesy of the Journal Star
1978 Debate Team coached by Jay Glatz
These three particular soon to be Distinguished Alumni below excelled in Speech and Debate. Their coaches from back then made an impact. Jay Janssen went on to be a prominent lawyer not only recognized in Peoria but across the country. He has presented before the Illinois Supreme Court on different cases. He attended Bradley University where he honed his debate skills. He offers an Oratory Contest at Bradley University where $40,000.00 in scholarship money is awarded to the top three finishers to be used at Bradley the first year. Carolyn Mungo went on to be a TV Journalist and later a station manager for a large major network affiliate. Dr John Davidson was Carolyn's coach of the Speech Team that won State in 1978. Steve Osunsami went on to be (and still is) a major news reporter for ABC News. He has received many accolades and recognition throughout his career. Our hats off to his coaches Molly Burroughs and Lois Litterist. Come join us at the Gold Lion.
