Welcome

Stoneleigh-Burnham School held a successful public speaking tournament on Sunday, October 1, in collaboration with Northfield Mount Hermon.  Thirteen schools from across New England participated in this opening World Qualifier tournament of the DANEIS league, held on the lovely campus of Stoneliegh-Burnham. 

As a team, SBS competitors followed behind the top school of the day, The Hotchkiss School, and placed fifth among a roster of prestigious New England Schools in attendance.  Members of the SBS team –Stella, Summer, Zoe, and Leila– delivered impressive original speeches and Interpretive Reading selections. Special congratulations are extended to Stella who won second place in the After Dinner original speech category. Our top SBS team speaker for the day was also Stella, who was one of top ten speakers of the tournament overall. 

Many thanks to Head of School,  Laurie Lambert and Assistant Head of School, Bett Alter for being such strong advocates of this signature program of Debate and Public Speaking.  Stated Alter: “Under the seasoned leadership of Karen Suchenski, Head Public Speaking Coach, a high caliber tournament provided almost fifty competitors the opportunity to exercise their speaking skills.  As always, SBS came together to get everything done to host. Proud to be an Owl!”    

The following students, should be commended for their work as greeters and timekeepers in support of the tournament: Aoife ’25, Sina ’25, Nelly ’25, Karolina ’25, Sophie ’25, Eve ’26, Cheyenne ’26, Lucy ’26, ChiChi ’27, Ruby ’27, Abby ’27, Addi ’28, Cal ’28, and Grace ’28. 

Super parent-volunteer Lisa Ganci said  she was  glad to be able to help “hold a legendary SBS program high and proud” before the  75 guests to the tournament.  

SBS Speech Coaches Jane Bell and Parke Burgess, impressed by the day,  look forward to supporting SBS students’  foray into extemporaneous debate at upcoming tournaments. Stay tuned!