Information from Nathan Council/Edited by John Lee
Pictured (from left) are Kaedyn Wilkinson, Addisyn Hayden and Catarina Ramirez
Pampa High School senior, Kaedyn Wilkinson has been named an Academic All-American by the National Speech and Debate Association. Only the top two percent of the current 140,000 NSDA members receive the prestigious Academic All-American Award.
"Kaedyn is an exceptional young man whose leadership is at the core of PHS Speech and Debate,” UIL Coordinator Speech/Debate Coach Nathaniel Council said. “He leads with a servant's heart, taking the younger students under his wing and making the entire program better in the process."
The Academic All-American award recognizes high school students who have earned at a minimum the degree of Superior Distinction, completed at least five semesters of high school, demonstrated outstanding character and leadership, and earned a GPA of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
“It’s really cool because debate is what I use to pursue for education and using my voice,” Wilkinson said. “[I choose debate] because I don’t think sports leads to innovation or advocation. Being from a small town where not a lot of advocacy happens, I think it’s important to have a voice.”
Members of the NSDA earn distinction through competition, service, and leadership activities whether they are participating in oral Interpretation, speech, debate, theatre, or in other competitive speaking in organizations like FFA, ACADEC, FCCLA and DECA.
"The National Speech and Debate Association sets the standard for service and competition in the world of speech and debate,” Council said. “For a student to be recognized as a pillar of the community by the NSDA is a tremendous honor. I anticipate with Kaedyn raising the bar, future PHS students will aspire to similar recognition. A rising tide lifts all boats."
Kaedyn is the first student in Pampa High School history to receive this designation. This honor marks the third commendation he has received this year from the National Speech and Debate Association. In August, he was recognized for his dedication to Pampa through community service, he was also recognized by the NSDA with the highest honor it bestows on students for competitive success, the degree of Premier Distinction, marking only the second time a PHS student has reached this milestone.
Kaedyn is not sure where he wants to go to college, just wants it to be a good school and plans to be an accountant.
“I want to become an accountant but I want to use my voice and the things I get from being an accountant to advocate in the future,” Wilkinson said.
