(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic High School Speech Team had a successful performance last weekend at the State Individual Speech Contest held at Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson High School. Head Speech/Debate Coach Trisha Koenig says Atlantic took 12 entries who performed in front of a panel of three judges on Saturday, March 14th. Performances covered a variety of categories from Acting to Musical Theatre, Poetry and Radio News. A total of 11 of the entries received a Division 1 rating from the judges; 9 of those were a straight 1 rating, meaning all three judges awarded a 1 rating. Koenig said she was “So proud of our success! We have a small team, but it is filled with so much talent. It is very promising to see the younger performers with lots of potential for the future as well as the senior leadership we have in upperclassmen. I am constantly amazed by the hard work put into these performances.”
Mark Andersen, Assistant Coach, added “It’s a joy to work with these students, to help them develop their technique and skill in speaking and performance, and to see them earn such good results for their work. That’s why I do what I do.”
What’s next: All-State Nominations were posted online the afternoon of Monday, March 16th. These students chosen are the best in the state in their categories. In order to receive this honor, at least two of the three judges must nominate the performer. These students will perform one last time on the UNI Campus at the All-State Festival held on Monday, March 30th.
Two students earned All-State honors this year from Atlantic, with both of their pieces nominated:
Margaret McCurdy for Literary Program
Margaret McCurdy for Acting (Non-performing)
Sophie Johnson for Literary Program
Sophie Johnson for Poetry (Non-performing)
Coach Koenig says this adds to the honor, as they are able to perform one of the pieces, but with both acknowledged as the highest recognition.
