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. 

Lilly Ryan is a senior at Portland High School and is beginning her third and final year on the Speech Team. She is excited to serve as the 2026-2027 team President and looks forward to leading her teammates through encouragement, organization, and dedication. Lilly is eager to welcome new members, explore new competitive events, and help others develop their speeches and confidence.

Dedicated to hard work and continued growth, Lilly is striving to qualify for nationals while inspiring those around her to reach their goals. She brings a positive attitude to every competition and is ready to lead by example both on and off the stage. Outside of Speech, Lilly is involved in FCCLA and Art Club.

Kallee Woods is a senior at Portland High School and serves as the 2026-2027 Speech Team Vice President. This year marks her fifth year as a member of the team, beginning her journey in eighth grade as one of the founding members of the Middle School Speech Team. Since then, Kallee has continued to grow as a speaker, performer, and leader.

Kallee is excited for the opportunity to help the team continue to grow, develop, and create a strong community among its members. She is dedicated to giving her best effort at every tournament and encouraging those around her to do the same. In addition to Speech, Kallee is also actively involved in the PHS Theatre Program.

Carolina Luis Nigenda is a senior at Portland High School who is excited to give it her all one last time. This marks her third year on the speech team. Carolina will continue to deliver speeches that personally connect to her and inspire her audience. Speech has helped build the confidence she has today. 

Outside of speech, Carolina is an active member of FCCLA and is looking forward to spending time with her teammates and creating new friendships. She is excited to see what this year holds for her.

Joshua Humphrey is a sophomore at Portland High School and is beginning his fifth year on the PHS Speech Team. When he's not keeping audiences laughing in Humorous Interpretation, you can find him performing with the PHS Concert Band and Marching Band.

 Joshua is also an active member of the PHS Leadership program and Beta Club, where he enjoys serving his school and community.

Karyna Fair is a sophomore at Portland High School and a member of the basketball team. This is her first year on the Speech Team, and she is excited to step into a new experience where she can work with new people, develop her skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Karyna also enjoys performing on stage through Theatre, where she has the opportunity to express her creativity, connect with others, and continue building her confidence. She looks forward to growing as a person, speaker, and teammate while being a part of the Speech Team.

Amelia Birdwell is a sophomore at Portland High School and is involved in Speech, Theatre, FCCLA, and Leadership. She is funny, quick-witted, and unafraid to step into the spotlight. Amelia loves expressing her creativity and using her voice to connect with and influence others. 

Amelia is excited to continue growing as a performer, spend time with fellow team members, and build lasting friendships while giving back to her community.

Addison Lee is a freshman at Portland High School and a member of both the Softball and Soccer teams. This is her first year on the Speech Team, and she is excited to begin this new journey by building connections, gaining new skills, and creating lasting memories with her teammates.

In addition to athletics and Speech, Addie is involved in Student Leadership and hopes to continue exploring opportunities through clubs and organizations that encourage creativity, leadership, and teamwork. She looks forward to the experiences, friendships, and opportunities that being a part of the Speech Team will bring.