Embedded Files
Radio Broadcasting & Oratorial Declamation Trophy
Radio Broadcasting & Oratorial Declamation Trophy
Donor: Billy Moorfield, Class of 1939
Author: Jade Farley, Class of 2027
Story Contributor: Lind Voth, Class of 1954
Web Page Designer: Jade Farley, Class of 2027
Billy Moorfield senior portrait, 1939
In a quiet corner of the Highlands library, sits a glowing display case with a brass trophy from the era when radio speaking was one of the most important methods of communication to the outside world. In the 1930s, the art of speaking was more important than socializing is today. These awards, earned by Billy Moorfield in the 1930s, celebrate his achievements in radio speaking, a skill once essential in a world where families gathered around the radio for their daily news, entertainment, and connection to the outside world. As the trophy resurfaces, it serves as a reminder of the history of communication at Highlands and the ever-evolving opportunities students have to express themselves.
Although we weren't able to speak to Billy Moorfield due to his unfortunate passing, we were fortunate enough to speak to alumnus Lind Voth, who was able to pick up the torch from where Billy left off.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Highlands High School encouraged students to develop speaking skills through competitions like "Oratorial Declamation" and "Radio Broadcasting." These activities allowed students to engage audiences through voice alone, a valuable skill when radio was the dominant form of mass communication. Radio speaking requires projection and the ability to convey emotion without visual cues, making it a respected and competitive talent.
By the 1950s, the rise of television began to overshadow radio’s prominence, but Highlands still offered opportunities for students to explore broadcasting. One former student, Lind Voth, who later pursued and achieved a reputable career in radio and television, recalled playing music over the school’s loudspeaker system during lunch breaks.
“My friend, Dick Vail, and I… we would just play music over the loudspeaker system throughout the high school during lunch hour, playing disk jockey!” (an announcer who presents and talks about popular music) said Voth with a chuckle.
This DJ session was a glimpse into the future of radio broadcasting, allowing Voth and Vail to practice performance and presentation while sharing music with their peers. Additional radio broadcasting experience opportunities that Highlands provided were the opportunity for students to represent their high school and participate in speech contests. (Like the local regional contest in Ludlow, Kentucky.)
“I participated in one at a high school over in Ludlow, Kentucky, and if you did well there, you would go to state, which was held in Lexington,” Voth shared.
These regional events emphasized the importance of public speaking, helping students hone their verbal communication skills.
One brief but memorable mentor in the broadcasting world was Bob Braun, a Cincinnati TV legend who hosted a talk show called “The Bob Braun Show.”
“That was the speech contest over in Ludlow at the high school there. He (Bob Braun) had come in… I don't remember exactly how we met up, but he was sitting by himself in the auditorium, and I believe I probably approached him, and I had the script that I was going to be reading for the contest…He went over it with me and showed me where to put the emphasis, and it just really helped me do a better job… The advice was more or less the particular words that needed to be emphasized; but he said to be as distinct as you can and speak slowly enough so that it is completely understandable.”
Lind Voth in the producer chair, 1950s
According to Voth, the Highlands theater department under Miss Larman's guidance during this time was where he especially learned his projection skills through his role as Elwood P. Dowd.
“I played Elwood P. Dowd in the play Harvey.. I guess I was sort of a star because he was the main character... He was sort of confident and flaky, and a lady came up to me afterward and told me that she's never heard anyone act absentmindedly so well, but that was a lot of fun. Highlands Theater taught me a lot, and although I never went on to do any more acting or stage work after that, Highlands Theater helped me learn a lot about projection in my future broadcast career... at 89 years of age, I'll always remember Highlands for the lessons that they taught.”
The lessons from Highlands Theater, especially about projection, became the foundation for his broadcasting career. Although he didn’t pursue acting further, the skills he learned early on were essential. Being able to project his voice to fill a room helped him develop a strong presence on air, ensuring that every word was clear and impactful. Throughout his career, he often thought back to those theater lessons, knowing they taught him how to engage listeners and communicate clearly. Even at 89, the lessons from the theater still shape how he communicates, both in his work and in everyday life.
Today, nearly a century after Billy Moorfield earned his trophies, Highlands High School continues to offer students avenues to develop their public speaking and broadcasting skills. While traditional radio speaking competitions have faded, new opportunities have emerged. The school’s debate team, broadcasting classes, theater classes, and digital media programs provide modern students with the ability to showcase their communication skills in an era defined by podcasts, live streaming, and social media.
Billy Moorfield's State Champion Radio Speaking trophy, 1939
Billy Moorfield's Class of 1939, HHS
The evolution of communication technology from radio to television to the digital social media age has transformed the way people share information, but the core skills remain the same. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively are just as crucial today as they were when Billy Moorfield and Lind Voth stood before a microphone, earning the trophies that now inspire new generations.
As Highlands continues to adapt and grow, its legacy of creating confident communicators still stands whether through past generations’ radio broadcasts or today’s digital storytelling, the school remains a place where voices are heard, and stories are told.
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