Alicia Robinson, a veteran teacher at New Albany High School, was recently named Speech, Debate, and Theatre Educator of the Year for the state of Mississippi. She is currently completing the application process to enter the southeastern regional contest. Robinson received the most nominations from Speech and Debate coaches throughout the state to gain this honor.
Ms. Robinson graduated from W.P. Daniel High School. She attended Northeast and transferred to the University of Mississippi where she received her bachelors degree. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Mississippi. Over her twenty-three year educational career, she has taught English, African-American Literature, Mississippi Studies, Civics, Geography, United States History, and Personal Finance in addition to Oral Communications, Public Speaking, and Debate. “I believe I am the most versatile person here,” said Robinson. “I have taught more courses and had more preps than any other teacher.”
When Robinson began her teaching career, she was given the task of building up a speech program at the high school. And that is exactly what she has done. As her program grew, administrators believed in her and the classes and made Oral Communications a requirement for receiving an Honors diploma. The program quickly developed and students were soon ready for tournaments.
Robinson first began to take groups to Youth Congress, a program designed to teach students about state government and parliamentary procedures. Her students have experienced great success with having officers elected and winning various awards.
In addition to Youth Congress, she has accompanied students to speech and debate tournaments. New Albany High School belongs to two forensic leagues. The smaller league is the Jackson Catholic Forensic League and the larger is the National Forensic League. Robinson’s students have qualified for national competition many times through JCFL. She has traveled to North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin with her students to compete at the national level.
Forensic competitions include many events such as Lincoln-Douglas Debate, duo acting, dramatic interpretation, and impromptu speaking. “I always tell the students that it is not about winning the competition.” Robinson continued, “It is about building confidence and gaining good speaking skills which will carry over into everyday life.”
“As my Speech and Debate coach, Ms. Robinson not only challenged me but she also offered encouragement and reassurance,” said former student Mary Margaret King. “She has and continues to be an exemplary Christian role model and friend to me. I hope that I can positively influence my students the way she influenced me.”
Later this fall, she will take on a new challenge. New Albany High School is hosting its very first Speech and Debate tournament with Robinson coordinating all aspects of the two-day event. “Running a tournament is such a huge undertaking,” she said. Her jobs will include setting up classrooms for competition, arranging for forty judges, organizing concessions, recruiting assistants, overseeing tabulation of scores, and enforcing the rules of the tournaments. Colleagues, community representatives, parents, and several of her former and current students will assist Robinson in her endeavor.
“Her sense of responsibility and commitment to the youth of our community is unmistakable,” said former colleague Troy Trout. “She spends many long afternoons and weekends helping kids research topics for different extracurricular events and chaperoning New Albany High School kids to various Speech and Debate functions throughout the state of Mississippi and beyond.” Trout continued, “Her ultimate legacy after two decades of service to the New Albany School District is well-educated and well-spoken former students who have moved on to be the successful leaders of business and industry today.”
