Frank Sferra

For 35 years, Frank Sferra has been a state and national leader in the area of speech activities. He started the CHSAA state speech tournament, chaired the CHSAA Speech Committee and has served in nearly every capacity for speech in the state of Colorado and at the national level.

He has been a member of the National Forensics League (NFL) for 25 years, serving the past five years as the NFL President with a year remaining, and is the recipient of the National Federation's Outstanding Service Award.

"I think high school activities are terribly important. They not only provide an opportunity for interaction between students and teachers, but they keep a lot of kids in school," Sferra said.

As an ambassador for speech across the nation, Sferra says that a day in 1969 holds an important note in his career and, ultimately, the history of speech in Colorado.

"One of the highlights of my career was in 1969 when I was among a group of coaches that asked the CHSAA to take over the speech program and develop a state speech tournament. In doing so, we were able to reach far more kids and schools. Setting up the speech committee allowed coaches and administrators to work together," he said.

"I am thrilled to death and terribly moved to receive such an award. I know what it means and am honored to be among such quality people that have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. I'm a little overwhelmed, but am looking forward to the challenge of living up to that honor."

Sferra continues to teach and administer the speech program for Mullen High School. He has coached no fewer than 10 state champions and has coached 95 different students to the national tournament, with two first place winners, three seconds, one sixth and one seventh.