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ORAL INTERPRETATION

Speak with Confidence, Compete with Excellence
Freeman Academy’s Oral Interpretation team is building a proud legacy of achievement. With 14 consecutive State Team Excellence Awards, 4 consecutive district championships, and back-to-back record-breaking seasons, our students are setting the standard for success. In 2017, Freeman Academy made history by qualifying competitors in all seven categories for the State Festival, with six earning superior ratings. In 2018, the tradition of excellence continued as all four qualifying competitors earned superior ratings.
Our program emphasizes developing confident presentation skills while fostering a supportive and encouraging team environment. Students in grades 7–12 compete at the varsity level in a minimum of two competitions, with top performers representing Freeman Academy at district competitions. Those not advancing to the next level still have an additional opportunity to showcase their skills at the Mount Marty Runner’s Up Tournament.
Beyond the competitions, our program cultivates mentorship. Upperclassmen take on coaching roles during the middle school Oral Interpretation season, sharing their expertise and gaining valuable leadership experience that serves them well in every area of life.
  • Our program has a tradition of success with consistent achievements at state, district, and local levels.
  • Skills and leadership grow as students build confidence in public speaking and upperclassmen mentor younger teammates.
  • The supportive team environment creates a culture of encouragement where every student competes and grows together.
Oral Interpretation is more than a competition—it’s a journey of growth. Watching our students step onto the stage, share their unique voice, and leave with newfound confidence is incredible. The bonds they form and the skills they develop here will carry them through life. ~Clara

Dr. Brad Anderson

Head of School

Brad (Braden) grew up in Wichita, Kansas, part of a family of educators. He earned a BA in Political Science/History from Wichita State, at which point he worked as a quality assurance manager for aviation-related companies in Wichita. Discerning a call to academics, he then completed a MA in Political Science from the University of Kansas. After reading Anabaptist theology and political thought, Brad shifted his focus to theology, earning a MA and PhD from Marquette University, with a focus on Theology and Society. He went on to teach courses at the college level in theology, ethics, and politics, as well as work in academic administration, non-profit program direction, and private consultancy. He is the author of Chosen Nation: Scripture, Theopolitics, and the Project of National Identity, as well as journal articles on Christian nationalism and biblical interpretation. Brad came to FA in 2017, teaching high school Bible and Social Studies, and serving as Assistant Head of School and then Academic Dean. He began as Head of School in July, 2022. Brad is married to Elizabeth, with whom he shares three children: Benjamin (FA ’21), Madelyn, and Katelyn. He enjoys piano and arranging music, reading fiction and history, watching movies, playing strategy games, and conversation and laughter with friends. The Andersons are active at Salem Mennonite Church, southeast of Freeman.