Carl Heinicke Named State Champion in Governor’s Cup Speech Contest on Leadership

By Kolterman, Clark on February 15, 2013

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Seward High Senior, Carl Heinicke of Seward was selected the State Champion in the annual Governor’s Cup Speech Contest on Leadership held on Thursday, February 07, 2013 at the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln, Nebraska, sponsored by the National Managers Association (NMA)-a leadership development organization for state employees in management.    He wrote, memorized and presented a speech promoting leadership and was in competition with seven other high school finalists.   A luncheon for the coaches and contestants preceded the event at the Governor’s Mansion.  Carl won a certificate, $300 cash scholarship and an all expense paid trip for two to Florida for the regional NMA Leadership Speech contest in May.  Carl is the son of David and Jane Heinicke of Seward, Nebraska and represented the NMA as the state representative last year as well in Detroit, Michigan at the regional leadership speech contest.
The contest was sponsored by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Management Association (NMA).  Along with Heinicke placing first, was Ashley Orcutt of Raymond Central, who was first runner-up, and Andrea Tesarek   of Conestoga High who placed third. Heinicke will compete in Florida, representing Nebraska at the regional NMA Leadership Speech Contest , and, upon winning the regional, would advance to the national AMA Leadership Speech Contest at San Antonio, Texas.
Four of the eight students in the final competition were students at Seward High and included Carl Heinicke, Emma George, Sierra Wignall and Michaela Clowser.  Other finalists included Chelsie Topliff and Zach Miller of Conestoga High School.  Each student was asked to present a four to six minute speech on some aspect of leadership.  All entries were required to submit their applications, resumes and a copy of their speech prior to the event and then notified if they were selected as a finalist.  The SHS Speech Coach, Clark Kolterman, served as the student’s sponsor for the event.  
Judith Hudgins served as the NMA Contest Chair.  Mistress of Ceremonies was Deborah Tuff of 10/11 News.  Sponsors of the luncheon were Nebraska State Government and Leadership Lin Chapters of the National Management Association (NMA).  Awards were presented by Ken Jurek, State Chapter President and Michaela Dugan, President of Leadership Link.   “Capitol Voices,” Toastmasters provided the judges and timers for the event.  The group was established by NMA to assist members in communication and leadership skills.  Judges were Charlene Gondring, Judy Martin, Pat Urzedowski, Claire Titus, and Mike Laughlin.