Wednesday, June 16, 2004

Speech teacher recognized for service

Neville honored by state’s teachers

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By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

With 10 state championships to his credit, Tim Neville is nothing short of extraordinary.

For his extraordinary contribution to speech and debate programs, including numerous high school state championships, the Wood River High School speech and debate teacher was inducted into the Idaho Speech and Theater Arts Teachers Association’s Hall of Fame.

He was nominated by colleagues from throughout the state.

"I am really excited by the nomination," Neville said. "It’s an honor from all the speech teachers in Idaho."

Neville began teaching at Wood River High School in 1971. Since then, Neville has earned nine debate championships and one state drama championship.

Despite his recent honor and a collection of others, Neville still boasts that "my greatest accomplishment is seeing my students excel in speaking and debate," he said.

During the 2003-2004 school year, his students achieved the highest honors in the state. All his students qualified for district titles, went on to qualify for state, then swept the competition.

His students won two divisions at the state tournament. The team won the Policy Debate and the Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Championships. It was the second time Neville guided his students to the title.

When asked about guidance he gives students, Neville minimized an emphasis on winning.

"Yeah, it’s nice to win, but winning isn’t everything," Neville remarked. "It’s nice to improve them overall as well."

Neville’s contributions to education have not gone unnoticed.

In addition to the 2004 Hall of Fame award, Neville has earned the Idaho Debate Teacher of the Year Award three times. He was also recognized as the Idaho Speech Arts Teacher of the Year and honored by the National Federation Inner Scholastic Speech and Debate Association for Idaho.

Neville was quick to attribute his own success to his family’s support and the support from the Blaine County School District administration.

In his free time, Neville enjoys the outdoors and works on classic cars.

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