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Speech class takes on new & interesting projects

Posted on: March 27, 2020
Tags: Monroe central high school
Halloween

Here at Monroe Central, we are always seeking new and engaging ways to teach our students – and our Speech Class has been doing just that! This year, they had the chance to create two real-life projects that taught them a wide variety of skills, including leadership, collaboration, creativity, communication, and “how to get things done,” one of the most important skills of all! Unfortunately, coronavirus cut their year short and they are missing the last two projects they had hoped to implement – but the first two are pretty impressive. If you weren’t able to participate in these, we’ll give you a run-down of what you’ve been missing.

This past Halloween, the seniors created a ghost tour of Woodsfield. The students researched, wrote, and performed the tour, working with the Monroe Theatre for assistance. They dug into the back stories of the historic theatre, the old jail that was the site of executions, the pioneer cemetery, and other mystery stories from around town. Part of their prep was to visit Marietta and take a ghost tour with “Hidden Marietta” where the tour company taught them the ins and outs of creating and presenting a ghost tour. The students incorporated these learnings into their own unique presentation. 

When all was ready, the public was invited to spend Halloween taking this unique ghost tour of Woodsfield, which was conducted in costume and with all the drama appropriate for a spooky night on the town! If you were one of the lucky 90 community members who attended, we hope you enjoyed this unique and fun project.

This semester, the students hosted a college and career night. The goal of this event was to showcase potential future opportunities for students, as well as to encourage parents to visit the high school. Four colleges – Marietta College, Ohio Valley University, Wheeling College, and the University of Muskingum – presented, along with 15 exhibitors. The event also hosted a Marine recruiter, an oil and gas company, and a census recruiter. In addition, each department of the school created a display that could be interactive – for example, the forensics class created a crime scene, the history class hosted a walking museum. 

For their final exam, students are working toward the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal. This Seal is a formal designation students can earn on their diplomas and transcripts. The Ohio Department of Education describes this Seal as “indicating they have the personal strengths, strong work ethic, and professional experience that businesses need.” To earn this Seal, the students must demonstrate professional skills needed for success in the workplace. They do so by working with at least three experienced and trusted mentors who validate the student’s demonstration of these skills in school, work, or the community. One of the students is also aiming to obtain a Biliteracy Seal. 

These students have used their creativity and collaboration to develop unique projects that taught them skills that will be applicable in any career they choose. Kudos to them for their hard work and enthusiasm! Keep an eye out for more interesting projects coming next year!