Student earns national Academic All American Award

Nilufer Bektas, a senior at Harry S Truman High School, earned the Academic All American award from the National Speech & Debate Association. With more than 141,000 student members, fewer than 1% of students earn this award each year.

While scrolling through her email at breakfast, Bektas found out she won. “I quite literally jumped into the air, screaming, ‘I’m an Academic All American!’” said Bektas, president of the Speech and Debate Club.

This distinguished award recognizes students who have completed at least five semesters of high school, earned the degree of Superior Distinction in the association’s Honor Society (a total of 750 or more merit points), achieved rigorous criteria for GPA and/or test score requirements, and demonstrated outstanding character and leadership.

To earn the merit points, Bektas had to compete often and place high at tournaments. She’s competed at nationals in Chicago, Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; and Louisville, Kentucky. “This has been a goal since my freshman year when I first heard my coaches and upperclassmen talking about it, but honestly, it felt impossible to reach,” she said.

Bektas has made a lot of progress since she joined Speech and Debate in ninth grade. She struggled to make eye contact, and spoke softly and minimally. “Speech and Debate revolutionized my life and improved my confidence immensely,” said Bektas. “Now, I walk into competitions in front of stern-faced judges, competitors from powerhouse private schools, and eager spectators who are ready to rip into my performance with their teammates, not with ease, but with the assured self-confidence that my preparation and practice will support me.”

One of Bektas’ biggest mentors is Olivia Wright, an assistant Speech and Debate coach and social studies teacher. Wright and the coaching staff are proud of Bektas, who is the first Academic All American Award winner since they began coaching the team.
“Nilufer is an incredibly well-rounded and motivated student,” said Wright. “I am constantly impressed with her desire to expand her knowledge and her ability to make inter-disciplinary connections in her work with the team. She represents the traits required for the award through her leadership, dedication and excellent academic achievement. Nilufer is wonderful at guiding new team members and will leave a resounding legacy with the team once she graduates.”

As the president this year, Bektas has been mentoring the underclassmen to help them find their confidence and challenge themselves. She also enjoys the friendships she’s built and the opportunity to travel with the club. To all the Truman Tigers, Bektas says, “You are literally capable of anything you set your mind to as long as you set goals, track your progress, take breaks for mental and physical health, and be honest about your wants and desires.”

She also encourages them to find clubs and activities during their time at Truman. “Please get involved in your Truman community, not just for the resume booster, but because there are so many opportunities to improve your skills, foster interpersonal relationships, make new friends, learn how to navigate conflict and compromises, and make memories that will last a lifetime!”