The 1963 District Speech contest was held in Arlington Heights on Saturday, February 16. The contest was state‑wide and winners will go on to the sectional and state contests.

Maine West entered a one act play titled "The Flattering Word." The cast consisted of seniors Carol Engstrom, Rich Giles, Jean Mitran, Linda Perrin, and Gary Riese. The student director was Peggy Johnson '64. Nine individual events were also entered: a comedy reading by Frank DeFalco '63, a serious reading by Carol Engstrom '63, a verse and prose reading by Betty Gano '64, an original oratory by Davis Hall '64, an oratorical declamation by Peggy Johnson '64, and a radio speech by John Schafer '63.

The winners of the top two events will go to the sectional contest along with the cast of the two best plays. John Schafer placed first in Radio speaking, and Betty Gano second in Verse reading.

"This is the first time that Maine West has participated in this type of work; it was new to the students, and we really didn't know what to expect as far as competition. We hope this will be expanded so we can participate in more preliminary contests before entering state competition. The students have worked hard at this program. Our debate, speech, and drama activities are gaining new emphasis," related Mr. Garth Boyer, head of the speech and drama department. Mr. Boyer is working with Mr. Eric Edstrom and Miss Harriet Johnson, debate sponsors.