Mason Speech and Debate team holds public speaking camp

Juliana Discher I Staff Writer

Speaking is a skill everyone is born with, but public speaking is a talent that takes years to refine.

Mason Speak Week, held at Mason High School from July 14-18 teaches sixth through tenth graders the delivery techniques necessary to become successful public speakers.

S&D co-captain senior Jenny Zheng said the camp has lots to offer for students attending.

“We target [Speak Week] towards younger kids who are not in high school yet,” said Zheng. “The camp teaches them every day speaking skills, specifically verbal delivery and physical presentation. It is supposed to help them in school presentations or just speaking to another person.”

 According to Zheng, there are two levels to the camp, introductory and advanced.

Zheng said that the introductory level, which is for first year participants, focuses on the core foundations of public speaking. Students practice speech writing and researching as well. After the basics are learned, they apply their knowledge through different exercises.

Students who have attended the camp before are put into the advanced level. This level allows students to zero in on a particular event or two. The event options include debate, interpretation, oratory, and limited prep.

Both levels conclude on the last day with a mock tournament where students get to showcase the skills they learned.

Zheng said that Speak Week has a large significance on the Speech and Debate team.

“This is our major fundraiser for the year,” Zheng said. “It’s our support system for the team and it carries us throughout the rest of the season. Plus, we like to help the community and teach the kids new skills.”

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Reds Baseball Camp is a grand slam at MHS

Juliana Discher I Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Reds are sliding into our home base with their annual baseball and softball camp from June 30-July 4 at Mason High School.

Boys and girls ages 6-14 with all levels of experience will receive training from certified instructors. The camp focuses on pitching, hitting, and catching techniques.

Second grader, Ethan Gallegos, from Indian Hill said he is enthusiastic about his camp experience so far.

"Learning how to slide and knee pinch has been my favorite part,” said Gallegos. “I’m excited to meet the Reds players on Friday. [The Cincinnati Reds] are my favorite team.”

Since most of what happens in a swing is missed by the human eye, trainers utilize video motion analysis, an interesting system. Every camper’s swing is recorded, analyzed, and shared with the player and their parents.

Scott Johnson, a parent of a camper said he has nothing but praise for the camp.

“[The trainers] sure know what they’re doing,” said Johnson. “My son has gone to this camp for two years and we brought players from his team so they could benefit too.”

On the last day, kids get to compete and use their newly acquired skills. Scores from the competitions are posted online so parents can see how their children rank up.

30 hours of instruction, a full Reds uniform, and VIP tickets to a Reds game aren’t the only thing gained by attendees. According to athletic trainer James Muncy, the camp instills a passion for the game.

 “We have a solid coaching staff whom are all very passionate,” said Muncy.  “I want players to not only work hard and learn the fundamentals, but to have fun and love the beautiful game”

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