A letter from the president: a year that proved our grit

Above: The MSCI Board of Directors. Front row: Heather McKaig, Ruth Kay, Kirstin Carolin and Guest of Honor Dave Bassett. Back row: Amy Janz, Doug Bevier, John Rutherford, Charlie Rinehart. Not pictured: Adam Blaylock.

Dear MSCI Members,

As many of us are preparing to return to the classroom, it is important to take a moment and reflect on the previous year. Let’s be honest, the 2021-2022 school year was rough. It was full of so many unknowns. It was the year of unmasking and trying to recapture a normal that always seemed just outside our reach. But with all the unknowns came resilience and strength. MSCI members once again proved we have grit.

That grit and resolve was demonstrated time and again as we navigated the challenges of hosting speech competitions all across the state. If it was in-person or virtual, masked or unmasked, we did it all. And we did it pretty well. With each event, and each individual success, we have brought ourselves closer to a new normal and a brighter future.

This year’s conference presented the MSCI board with plenty of unknowns. While not the conference we all wanted, it was one more shining example of this community’s grit and determination to find that new normal. The weekend was filled with outstanding competition, professional development, and much needed camaraderie. I would like to personally thank the entire community for the patience and grace shown to us as we worked through the challenges of working with the new Grand Hotel ownership.

MSCI continues to be a professional organization dedicated to supporting speech activities in the state of Michigan. As we reflect on last year’s many successes, I thank you all for the trust you have placed in us and the time you have and continue to give to the importance of these activities.

Doug Bevier
MSCI President

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, August 2022.