With the economy in shambles, can the United States afford health care reform?

That was the question 18-year-old Jordan Frank, a senior at Downers Grove North High School, chose in the extemporaneous speaking competition during the Illinois High School Association state tournament in speech earlier this month.

Following that competition, Downers North finished in fifth place, and Downers Grove South High School came in first for the sixth consecutive year.

Jan Heiteen, South’s speech coach, said the team’s win is the school’s 14th since 1985.

“This was an exceptional team. I am so impressed with their work ethic and their dedication to each other as a team,” Heiteen said. “They had a spirit that was infectious, and I am so proud of their amazing accomplishments.”

Missy Carlson, North’s speech team coach, said the team’s finish is the best in the school’s history.

“This year’s group of seniors has really set the bar very high for any subsequent teams,” Carlson said.

In his declamation speaking competition, Jordan, who will compete in the national competition, recited a speech he read in a newspaper that talk show host Jerry Springer gave at the 2008 Northwestern Law Commencement about ethical dilemmas. Jordan said he chose to recite the speech because he was surprised to learn it came from the mouth of Springer.

“If someone knows ethical dilemmas, it’s Jerry Springer,” Jordan said. “I was kind of shocked that Jerry Springer would say something so meaningful.”

Carlson, also an English teacher at North, said the speech team allows students to take part in an activity that is not necessarily a part of classroom teaching and the skills earned from participating will be useful throughout life.

National competition
The 2009 National Forensic League finals competition will be held June 14-19 in Birmingham, Ala. District 99 students include:

DOWNERS SOUTH
Kevin Berning, Mitch Christopher, Colleen DeRosa, Josh Durham, Adam Kase, Eve LeBaron, Alyssa Leys, Jenni McCarthy, Dan McNulty, Milap Mehta, Tess Mody, Chelsey Rice-Davis, Ed Roberge, Cassie Snyder and Andrew Swanson

DOWNERS NORTH
Jordan Frank, Evan Karl and Mike Tristano