Mrs. Starnes transferred from the world of Public Relations to education in 2000. She graduated from Portland High School in 1982 and David Lipscomb in 1986. She received her teaching license from Belmont University. She is the founder of the Portland High School Speech Team and is the district director and assistant state chair for the Tennessee High School Speech and Debate League in addition to being on the Tennessee Board for the National Speech and Debate Association. Mrs. Starnes has a passion for public speaking, and as a 4th generation, Panther, is proud to be a coach and teacher of such wonderful students. Mrs. Starnes is married to Greg and they have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. 

Mya Mimbs is a senior at Portland High School and serves as President of the Speech Team. Now entering her third and final year on the team, she’s determined to make it her best yet. Mya’s goals this season include qualifying for Nationals and continuing to grow into the strongest speaker she can be. In addition to speech, she’s actively involved in Leadership, theatre, BETA Club, National Honor Society, and is also a member of the soccer team. 

Lilly Ryan is a junior at Portland High School and is thrilled to begin her second year on the speech team, serving as the 2025–2026 Vice President. With a strong passion for public speaking, Lilly is eager to continue developing her skills and hopes to qualify for Nationals this season. She’s excited to explore new events and is known for bringing a positive, uplifting energy to every competition. Dedicated to leading by example, Lilly is committed to supporting and inspiring her teammates throughout the year. Outside of speech, she is also an active member of FCCLA. 

Jackson Jernigan is a senior at Portland High School, entering his third and final year on the speech team. He’s excited to wrap up his high school journey while serving as the team’s Secretary. Jackson remains committed to his ambitious goal of reaching nationals and is determined to make his final year at PHS truly unforgettable. He hopes to inspire both new and returning members to pursue their goals with the same passion. Outside of speech, Jackson is also an active member of the student leadership committee. 

Hannah Beardslee is a senior at Portland High School and is excited to begin her second year on the Speech Team, this time serving as the team reporter. A natural communicator, Hannah loves to talk—making speech the perfect fit for her! She’s also actively involved in Leadership and enjoys being part of a positive, spirited community. This year, she looks forward to getting to know the new team members and making unforgettable memories along the way 

Payten South is a freshman at Portland High School and one of this year’s activity directors. She was on the middle school team for three years and is now joining the high school team for her fourth year as a freshman. When she’s not crafting speeches, you can find her in leadership or expressing herself through dance at the Center Stage Studio. She believes in the power of connections and is grateful to have found a wonderful community within the speech team. She looks forward to the opportunity to develop her skills, and make lasting friendships. 

Kallee Woods is a junior at Portland High School and one of the Activity Directors for the 2025–2026 Speech Team. This marks her fourth year as a member of the team. Kallee’s journey began in 8th grade when she became one of the founding members of the first Middle School Speech Team. Since then, she has continued to grow as a speaker and leader, and she’s thrilled to continue that journey this year. Kallee is especially excited to help plan engaging activities for the team and is eager to give her best at tournaments. In addition to speech, Kallee is actively involved in the PHS theater program 

Hunter Whittemore is a senior on the 2025-2026 speech team. Hunter is looking forward to his final year on the team. He has been an Informative Speaking district champion for Tennessee in the past and has competed in multiple high level tournaments in order to improve his skills. He loves speech and is hoping to do well for his last year on the team. He is also going to continue public speaking after high school. Hunter hopes to use his speaking skills to help effect change in his community; with regard to that matter, Hunter was asked about his thoughts on the Portland speech team and how it can help students like him: "Speech has been a big part of my life ever since I joined, and I think speech has really helped me communicate more properly and understand people more easily." Hunter is also involved in student leadership and the academic team and is very driven to excel in all of these areas to better his future. 

Carolina Luis Nigenda is a junior at Portland High School, entering her second year on the speech team. Known for her dedication and strong work ethic, Carolina is excited to compete this season and hopes to bring home some wins. She’s committed to continuing her growth as a speaker and is especially looking forward to sharing the journey with her close friends and teammates. 

Abby Whittemore is a returning member entering her junior year of high school and her second year on the team. She’s excited to see what this season holds and looks forward to building stronger connections with her teammates. Last year, Abby competed in Program Oral Interpretation (POI), and this year she’s eager to explore a new event: Informative Speaking.

Rhealyn Napier is a freshman at Portland High School, excited to begin her first year on the high school speech team after two years of experience in middle school speech. She’s eager to grow as a performer, especially in Dramatic Interpretation, and is determined to challenge herself and make her mark this season. Rhealyn also stays active in softball, FCA, and the Leadership Committee. Through speech, she hopes to create lasting memories and build new friendships.