Community support keeps Great Speaker Forum tradition alive after nearly 50 years

When motivational speaker Duncan Kirkwood took the stage at Merrill High School on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, he was part of a tradition that has been bringing powerful voices to Merrill Area Public Schools students since 1978. That afternoon, he crossed town to deliver the same presentation to students at Prairie River Middle School.
Now in its 48th year, the Great Speaker Forum has covered topics ranging from self-esteem and goal-setting to substance abuse and teen mental health. The event is funded entirely through community donations, with individual contributions this year ranging from $25 to $2,000.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support the Great Speaker Forum receives from our local businesses and community members,” said Superintendent Shannon Murray. “This partnership is invaluable, and we truly appreciate everyone who helps make these opportunities possible for our students.”
Donors making this year’s event possible include Prairie River Properties, LLC $2,000; Optimist Club $500; Rose Skic $300; Merrill Lions Club $300; Sierra Pacific Windows $250; St. John’s Lutheran School $125; Trinity Lutheran School $100; Eagles Aerie 584 $100; Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill $100; Merrill Area United Way $100; Reindl Printing $100; Kay Nicklaus $100; Taylor Insulation $100; O’Reilly Auto Parts $100; Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #584 $100; Central Carpet & Flooring $50; Schmitt Manecke Donner Auxiliary Post 1638 $50; Brad & Tammy Woller $30; and OakPark Dental $25.
Students play a central role in shaping the event. The Great Speaker Forum Committee includes community members, school staff, and students who research potential speakers and make the final selection based on the relevance of the speaker’s message. Students join the committee in sixth grade and remain active through their Senior year.
This year’s student committee members were Avery Clark, Aaron Collinsworth, Josie Geiss, Corbin Hanson, Brooklyn Harding, Orion Hill, and Elaina Literski. Staff members serving on the committee included Trisha Detert, Cassie Schultz, Kasie Holt, Trina Knospe, Shannon Murray, and Tammy Woller. Community members on the committee were Renea Frederick, Mike Ravn, Lynne Reindl, Sarah Sturm, and Jay Tlusty.