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Moreland Ridge students showcase parliamentary debate; Maya Horn named Student of the Month, Angela Sullivan Employee of the Month
Summary
Morland Ridge Middle School presented its new participation in the Kansas City Parliamentary Debate (Parley) League, students described tournament successes and experience; the board recognized Maya Horn as Student of the Month and Angela Sullivan as Employee of the Month.
Moreland Ridge Middle School presented a program highlight at the Blue Springs R‑IV Board of Education’s October meeting showcasing the school’s new participation in the Kansas City Parliamentary Debate (Parley) League.
Principal Dr. Kelly Flax introduced coach Meli Melman, who described the Parley program as a lunch‑time club that prepares students for monthly competitions where topics are revealed 15 minutes before a round. Students described the nerves of competition and the learning benefits: confidence, time management, leadership and teamwork. Coaches and the board noted strong early results, including a sixth‑grade team (Natasha Hong and Lehi Lee) that won a state tournament championship and multiple teams finishing in the top four at a first outing.
Students demonstrated a short exchange arguing for and against a resolution on requiring a public‑speaking credit in high school. One student on the government side said requiring a public speaking course “brings up your confidence level,” while an opposition student said some students already have those skills and forcing a requirement could raise stress for others. Board members asked practical questions about teacher resources and equity; students and board members emphasized the program’s role as a feeder to high school and a positive experience for participants.
The board then recognized Maya Horn, an eighth‑grade student at Delta Woods Middle School, as October’s Student of the Month for her academic and extracurricular involvement. Maya accepted the recognition and thanked her teachers.
The meeting also honored Angela Sullivan, an eighth‑grade math teacher at Moreland Ridge and a 25‑year district employee, as Employee of the Month. Colleagues and students praised her mentorship and classroom support; Angela thanked her colleagues and family.
Board members praised students and staff for their commitment and encouraged continued support of extracurricular opportunities.
