Mr. Balster Selected As Member Of The Iowa High School Speech Association Hall Of Fame
The Iowa High School Speech Association inducted their 58TH and 59th members into the Hall of Fame October 9, 2015 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The IHSSA Hall of Fame was conceived in 1976. It is presented to a distinguished individual of statewide reputation and outstanding accomplishments. This is the highest honor the Iowa High School Speech Association may confer on an individual. The contribution and service given by the inductee stem from dedication and commitment to the IHSSA beyond normally expected and superlative identification. This year’s inductees are Kennon Balster, Clarinda and Cary M. Shapiro, Ankeny.
Kennon Balster is a long time IHSSA coach and teacher at Clarinda High School. In that time he has been the Large Group coach for over 30 years and director of Theatre for that same amount of time. Mr. Balster has served the IHSSA as a District Officer, Contest Manager for District contests, Coaches Convention Committee and very active with the IHSSA as a contest judge. Mr. Balster has been asked to speak and present at the IHSSA Coaches Convention on many occasions. Under Mr. Balster’s direction Clarinda has sent many students and groups to the Large Group All-State Festival each year and being selected as Critic’s Choice several times in One-Act Play. He continues to be an outstanding coach and a resource for the SW District in the IHSSA.
Congratulations Mr. Balster!