Leah Zika, the coach of the Prairie High School speech and debate team, has been honored as the Coach of the Week for her dedication and leadership. She has qualified 21 people for the state this year, which earns her this recognition.

She explained that speech and debate is one of the most successful programs for students, regardless of their background. “It’s probably one of the most successful programs for students,” she says. No matter what their interest, because it’s the students who go out of here with speech and debate who excel at jobs. They do really well in college. There are scholarships you can get for speeches and debates.

This year, Zika’s team achieved a major milestone. She shares, “This is the biggest team we’ve had for several years. We are taking 21 people to the state. They all qualified.” After a difficult rebuild following the COVID pandemic, her team’s success shows how much effort she has put into developing new members.

Practice is fun and engaging. Zika helps with the practice plan. “She keeps us on track,” senior captain Aubrey Grier says. “People can step out of their comfort zones,” she also points out. Zika started the speech and debate program at Prairie High School in 2009 after students asked her to begin it. She enjoys debating a wide range of topics, especially those related to values and morals. When asked what she would do if she weren’t coaching, she said she might own a bookstore or spend her time reading books.

In addition to coaching, Zika teaches AP Literature and Composition, Pre-AP classes, and manages the yearbook. Her commitment to her students and the program makes her a well-deserved Coach of the Week and a great role model for aspiring debaters and students alike.