By Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
DANDRIDGE, TN — The Tennessee High School Speech & Drama League has inducted David Weatherly into its prestigious Hall of Fame. The announcement came during the State Tournament held April 24–25 at Jefferson County High School, marking a historic milestone for both Weatherly and the Henry County High School (HCHS) Speech and Drama program.
Weatherly, who took over the high school program in 2023, is only the third coach to lead the team, following the legendary tenures of Miss Ruby Krider and Linda Wilson Miller. This induction recognizes his 13-year commitment to the activity, which began when he founded the Lakewood Middle School Speech program in 2011 to provide younger students with opportunities he didn’t discover until late in his own high school career.
Under Weatherly’s leadership, the Henry County speech community has flourished. From 2012 to 2024, he coached over 20 students to the final rounds of the middle school national tournament. For Weatherly, the Hall of Fame honor is the culmination of a life dedicated to a craft that he credits for his own personal and professional success.
“I owe my life and family to this activity,” said Weatherly. “It forever changed my life, opened my future up to new possibilities, and gave me a trajectory in my career choices. I am humbled to be part of this tradition of excellence and to continue the success of my predecessors.”
Weatherly will be formally honored during a special ceremony at the State Coaches Conference this fall.
While Weatherly’s induction headlined the event, his students mirrored his excellence on the competitive stage. The HCHS team brought five students to the state tournament, with three events advancing to the final rounds:
Maple Townsend (10th Grade): Placed 4th in Extemporaneous Speaking and 5th in Impromptu Speaking.
Tim Tyler (11th Grade): Placed 5th in Humorous Interpretation.
Joshua Lancaster (10th) & Tim Tyler: Placed 8th overall in Duo Interpretation, narrowly missing the final round.
Canaan Barrow (11th Grade): Placed 8th in Dramatic Interpretation, finishing just outside the final standings.
The team’s success at the state level serves as a springboard for their next major challenge. After a brief conclusion to the school year, the HCHS Speech Team will travel to Richmond, VA, this June to compete in the National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament.
Photo submitted by David Weatherly: Speech Coach David Weatherly celebrates with Henry County High School speech students during the state tournament. From left to right, Allie Stephens, Canaan Barrow, Weatherly, Tim Tyler, and Joshua Lancaster.