March 4, 2023 — Chardon High School junior and Ohio Speech and Debate Association three-time high school State qualifier and 2023 national qualifier Charlotte Jons completed seven rounds of competition in this weekend's OSDA state tournament, culminating in a thrilling finish as the STATE CHAMPION in the Program Oral Interpretation event.
Among 1,000 Ohio high school students competing at the state level this weekend, Charlotte was one of 53 competing specifically in POI. The tournament was held March 3-4 at Austintown Fitch High School in Austintown.
Charlotte combines prose and poetry around a central theme for the POI event each year. This year, her POI speech was centered on what Charlotte describes as "the need for dark humor in our current society".
She stated, "The speech explores the Sad Clown Paradox as well as the phenomenon of comedians using laughter to overcome personal struggles."
A CHS pioneer in OSDA competition, Charlotte has paved the way for Chardon as a sole member of the school's speech and debate team. She has been competing since her days at Chardon Middle School with annual high achievement, including placing sixth in the 2022 State tournament and earning a Special Distinction mark this school year — an award that only 18% of speech and debate competitors nationwide earn in their high school years.
Serving as Chardon's longtime OSDA coach is Amy Roediger — Charlotte's mom — who is a seasoned speech and debate coach and an award-winning Mentor High School chemistry teacher.
The Chardon Board of Education looks forward to recognizing Charlotte for her State championship win and stellar 2022-23 season at an upcoming board meeting.
Congratulations Hilltalker! Way to represent and talk your way to the top!
#WeAreChardon
Contact:
Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409