SHS Speech and Debate Student Earns Prestigious Award

(West Fargo, ND) -- Sheyenne High School’s Sherry Yan has earned the prestigious Academic All-American Award through her involvement in the National Speech & Debate Association .

The National Speech & Debate Association was created in 1925 to provide recognition and support for students participating in speech and debate activities. The NSDA awards the Academic All-American to fewer than 500 students annually out of the more than 141,000 student members. This means Yan is in the top half of one percent of all student members across the country.

A total of eighteen Sheyenne High School students have earned this award, putting Sheyenne High School as first in the state for most Academic All-American Awards.

“This coveted award recognizes academic rigor, competitive success, and personal excellence,” said NSDA Executive Director J. Scott Wunn.

The Academic All-American Award was established in 1999 to honor students with both high academic achievement and competitive forensic experience. In order to earn this distinguished accomplishment, a student must complete five semesters of high school; earn the degree of Superior Distinction in the NSDA Honor Society (a total of 750 or more merit points); achieve rigorous criteria for GPA and/or test score requirements, and demonstrate outstanding character and leadership.