Principal receives honors from Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc.

Alexa Reynolds and Evan Gray|May 23, 2019

COURTESY TOM LIETZ

Principal Tom Lietz pictured with Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. members at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.

After dedicating 20 years of his time and energy to Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. (MSCI) and much more, principal Tom Lietz has been named 2019 MSCI Guest of Honor. Lietz has received several accolades from the UCS and Macomb County High School Teacher of the Year all the way to 2017 MIPA Administrator of the Year.

“Without this community I wouldn’t have countless friends, wouldn’t have had the best mentor (my former debate coach),” principal Tom Lietz said. “And I also wouldn’t have met my wife, who I first met at an IE tournament. This community is interwoven into the fabric of my being, and I’m such a better person because of it.”

Lietz poses with his wife, Elizabeth Lietz, on the porch of the Grand Hotel.

Lietz was nominated for his passion for speech and refined skills in influencing crowds he speaks to. He was also a high candidate for this honor due to all the accolades he has raked in throughout his career. Through May 17-19 Lietz stayed in the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island to be named Guest of Honor.

“The recognition went very well.  As a community, we were able to gather around with Mr. Lietz and share stories of his impact and what he has does for us as individuals and a community,” Utica Academy for International Studies Forensics and Debate Coach Christopher Kuhlman said. “Ultimately, my hope was that Mr. Lietz left with a clear understanding of the impact his work and dedication to speech activities has had, and I think we accomplished that tenfold.”

Lietz has worked in all different fields when it comes to schooling. He has been a teacher, coach, mentor, adviser, and now principal. He has been involved in forensics for the past 20 years.

“I chose Mr. Lietz to be this year’s MSCI Guest of Honor for two key reasons.  First, Mr. Lietz’ passion for speech activities and involvement within the greater community goes back to when he was a freshman at Ike, and he continues to support and dedicate himself to it today,” Kuhlman said.” He continues to advocate for speech activities by being a member of the council for Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association to continuing to encourage and support new teachers to join the community as he did with Mrs. Smith at Utica this year.  Mr. Lietz did the same for me many years ago.”