Pattonville High School senior Mya Harris was chosen as one of seven 2021 William Woods Jr. National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Student of the Year finalists. After being named the Eastern Missouri District Student of the Year in March, Harris went through a rigorous process that included a video presentation and a panel interview.

The national winner will be announced on Friday, June 18, as part of the live streamed NSDA Tournament awards ceremony. Harris, along with seniors Jailah Broadway and Bell Tucci and junior Bryant Ewing, qualified to compete in the national tournament. The Pattonville High School speech and debate team is coached by English teacher Jennifer Raymond and assistant Lance Allen.