Michelle Bombeck has been selected as the Kearney High School Head Speech Coach for the 22-23 school year announced Ryan Hogue, KHS Assistant Principal and Activities/Athletic Director. Bombeck has been teaching Oral Communications for the past two years, which includes the following courses: Forensics (Advanced Speech), Public Speaking, Communication Arts, Stagecraft, and Beginning Acting. She has been the head coach for One-Act, and the assistant coach for the KHS Speech team for the past two years.
“There has been a long-standing tradition of excellence in both the One-Act Play Production and Speech Teams at Kearney High School,” said Bombeck. “Our students have competed at the top level in the state in each of these activities. The students in each of these teams participate in a number of activities and many are at the top of their classes academically. It is an honor to work with them.
“Since arriving at Kearney High, Mrs. Bombeck has done an excellent job of recruiting and motivating our performing arts students to achieve their goals in One-Act as well as Speech,” said Hogue.
In Bombeck’s two years at KHS, she led her students as a head coach in One-Act Plays to State this past season and finished as Class A State Runner-Up in Speech as an assistant coach in 2021. “I feel very confident about the direction our Competitive Theatrics is headed,” Hogue continued. “And I know our entire Performing Arts Department is going to accomplish greatness for years to come with the leadership positions we have established.”
Bombeck stated that Speech Team isn’t just about writing a speech, memorizing it, and delivering it. Competitive Speech involves a variety of different types of speeches, including interpretation. Competitions are weekly, beginning in early January and continuing through the state meet in mid-March. “Being a part of this team requires a high level of commitment and dedication to the art for many months of the year,” said Bombeck. “This is yet another reason why I love coaching this activity so much!”
Bombeck stated that previous coaches who have served in these two activities across the state have become her mentors and have demonstrated excellent leadership. “I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be a head coach for One-Act for the past two years and am equally as excited to step into the role of head coach for the Speech team next year. It is my goal that we continue the tradition of excellence in each of these programs,” said Bombeck.
Bombeck will complete the Transitional Certification Program at UNK in May, earning her 7-12 Language Arts Endorsement, and she obtained her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from UNL.
Bombeck is replacing Katie Sladek who is moving to Beatrice.
Michelle and Nathan Bombeck have two daughters in college, Lillian and Layla. Both girls were actively involved in both One-Act and Speech during their years at Kearney High School.
