AHS Educators Honored for Leadership

Two Avon High School educators, Linda Langford and Troy Drosche, were recognized by state organizations for their respective contributions to the AHS Speech & Debate Team and DECA.

Linda Langford

On the day the AHS Speech Team won their second consecutive State Championship, Linda Langford was recognized by the Indiana State Speech and Debate Association (ISSDA) as Indiana's 'Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator of the Year' for her "outstanding service and unselfish devotion to speech and debate programs." Mrs. Langford has grown the program from a team of 10 to 125 competitors in just five years. In that time, AHS has won two straight 3A team state championships and had eight individual state champions and sent 42 students to nationals.

"In just a few years, Linda has created a Speech and Debate powerhouse at AHS," says Principal Matt Shockley. "She has also assembled a gifted group of mentors who coach our students. Her passion and energy have provided students with incredible learning experiences, life skills, and memories that will last well beyond the walls of AHS. Linda is so deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to call her an Oriole!"

Troy Drosche

AHS teacher and DECA advisor, Troy Drosche, was named the 'DECA Advisor of the Year' at last week's State DECA Conference. He was nominated by a DECA advisor at another high school. Mr. Drosche has been the DECA Advisor at AHS for 15 years and he started the chapter from scratch. According to the nominator, "It is now one of the largest, most successful and involved chapters in the state with over 200 members." This year, 16 AHS DECA particpants are headed to national competition. Mr. Drosche is making an impact in DECA not only at AHS, but across the state and at a national level, representing Avon with consistency and excellence.

"Troy has been a long-time advisor for Avon DECA, which is one of our school’s largest student organizations," says Mr. Shockley. "Lives have been changed and life-long memories created because of Troy’s passion and mentorship over many years. He is so deserving of this honor!"

Congratulations, Linda and Troy, for these well-deserved honors.