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Yes, yes - Speech class. I have a vivid memory trekking down to the UA Library (maybe in
my 1929 Model A Ford) for a Speech Contest. I was assigned: "Extemporaneous" - and
as a topic drew "Lyndon Johnson". As I recall, I had an hour to research the topic and
prepare to make a presentation. With all the confidence in the world (none of it
deserved), I stood up when called and proceeded with my 5 minutes (or whatever it was)
of 'speechifying'. Throughout I spoke of this totally unknown (to me) man -' Landon'
Johnson. (Remember, it was spring of 1960). I guess because my facts were well
researched and my confidence apparent - I was given one of the certificates at the end of
the day. It was, however, pointed out to me and the others that the man's name was
'Lyndon' Johnson - not Landon.
A second memory is shared with David Berg. He and I were assigned to debate a topic in
class - and were given a completely indefensible position. Remembering the rule taught
to us by Mrs. Lackey (who was surely going to be terribly impressed) - we plowed full
steam ahead. Given the opening remarks - we established the 'definition of terms'. The
opponents were so (obviously) nervous, and busy worrying about what they would say,
and what points they would make, that they did not object. We won! We won because we
essentially established at the beginning of the debate that "Black was White' and this
allowed us to make OUR points and 'win the argument'!
Mrs. Lackey also invested time with me - coaching me prior to the Tucson Citizenship
Award competition, sponsored by Civitan. I had been selected to represent Catalina
against all the other winners from each of the Tucson high schools. With her
encouragement and suggestions, I was ultimately the winner. If asked, I can still deliver
the opening quote (given to me by her): "Every rose has it's thorns, there's fuzz on all the
peaches, but there's never been a dinner yet (pause) - without a lot of speeches'! At the
dinner in our honor, I was called upon near the end - following 'a lot of speeches'.
Emily Kittle Morrison
my 1929 Model A Ford) for a Speech Contest. I was assigned: "Extemporaneous" - and
as a topic drew "Lyndon Johnson". As I recall, I had an hour to research the topic and
prepare to make a presentation. With all the confidence in the world (none of it
deserved), I stood up when called and proceeded with my 5 minutes (or whatever it was)
of 'speechifying'. Throughout I spoke of this totally unknown (to me) man -' Landon'
Johnson. (Remember, it was spring of 1960). I guess because my facts were well
researched and my confidence apparent - I was given one of the certificates at the end of
the day. It was, however, pointed out to me and the others that the man's name was
'Lyndon' Johnson - not Landon.
A second memory is shared with David Berg. He and I were assigned to debate a topic in
class - and were given a completely indefensible position. Remembering the rule taught
to us by Mrs. Lackey (who was surely going to be terribly impressed) - we plowed full
steam ahead. Given the opening remarks - we established the 'definition of terms'. The
opponents were so (obviously) nervous, and busy worrying about what they would say,
and what points they would make, that they did not object. We won! We won because we
essentially established at the beginning of the debate that "Black was White' and this
allowed us to make OUR points and 'win the argument'!
Mrs. Lackey also invested time with me - coaching me prior to the Tucson Citizenship
Award competition, sponsored by Civitan. I had been selected to represent Catalina
against all the other winners from each of the Tucson high schools. With her
encouragement and suggestions, I was ultimately the winner. If asked, I can still deliver
the opening quote (given to me by her): "Every rose has it's thorns, there's fuzz on all the
peaches, but there's never been a dinner yet (pause) - without a lot of speeches'! At the
dinner in our honor, I was called upon near the end - following 'a lot of speeches'.
Emily Kittle Morrison