One of the more popular classes at RHS is the Speech and Drama class, taught by Mrs. Amy Jones. Mrs. Jones has been teaching for a total of 13 years; five of those have been as the speech and drama teacher at RHS. She also teaches the English classes. She went back to school to become a teacher after she retired from the Girl Scouts. Mrs. Smith also directs the school play, with her son, Sam Smith, as co-director.

This year, two student, Morgan Smith and Jerome Johnson (accompanying articles in this issue) placed high in the state finals. Morgan placed 3rd in state, while also winning 9th in the National Speech & Debate competition. Jerome placed 2nd in state. The competition took place the weekend of January 28, and was done virtually.

Mrs. Jones says the best part of coaching speech and drama is watching the students who were once shy and felt awkward speaking, come out of their shell and gaining confidence in their abilities. This confidence can be seen readily in not only this class, but the other classes and the way they comport themselves in the world overall.

Mrs. Jones relayed she has had two hearing impaired students participate throughout her career. She said the class helped with their challenges and assisted in becoming more comfortable around peers and adults.

This the first time RHS was able to compete in the Nationals, as it usually costs to participate in this. This year, however, RHS was able to get a waiver for the $200 cost to join, allowing RHS students to compete. It is Mrs. Jones' hope that future budget will allocate this $200 for the yearly fee so that our students can continue to compete in this most successful and rewarding class.