The Plymouth High School Speech and Debate team will be returning from spring break with a well earned trophy for their Class AA second place win at the IHSFA (Indiana High School Forensic Association) State Tournament on March 28.
PHS Head Speech Coach, David McKenzie, shared his pride in the perseverance of team members. McKenzie said, “We battled the other teams-and illness-on Saturday. We had a lot of sick students, but all of them powered through to finish the day.” “There are always heart-breaking moments because students want more. If their original goal was to advance to semi-finals, their new goal is to make it to finals.” McKenzie said.
Each of the 14 events at the tournament begins with 48 competitors who have qualified from eight districts throughout the state. McKenzie said, “When students take time to reflect on where they all began and then look back at their finishes, they then can have an appreciation for what they really accomplished.” “To even be at the State finals mean they were one of the 48 best in Indiana in their events. To advance to semi-finals means that they were on of the top 18-regardless of school size-who advanced to State. To advance to the final round means that they were one of the top 6 in the entire state in that event. McKenzie added.
“One gratifying aspect of the day was that each of our seniors advanced to a final round and placed in the top six in the state in their respective events.” he said. “That doesn’t happen very often.”
McKenzie said, “Other organizations have speaking events in their list, but this is what we do. The competition is fierce, and the skill levels are extreme.”
Those advancing to finals and their placing were as follows:
Garrick Nate-1st Place Championship, Discussion
Kylee Rippy-2nd ,International Extemp
Elizabeth Polstra-2nd ,Drama
Christie Gorka-4th ,Drama
Clayton Lenig-4th ,Humor
Kalee Lowry-4th , Original Oratory
Garrett Garver-4th ,Impromptu
Chase Holzwart and Jillian Smith-5th ,Duo
Garrett Garver-5th, United States Extemp
Semi-finalists included:
Kylee Rippy-Impromptu
Clayton Lenig-Prose
Emily McKenzie and Meghan Egierski-Scripted Duo
Meghan Egierski-Declamation
Melanie Cooper-Discussion
Yailin Rodriguez-Prose
Jillian Smith-Drama
Yailin Rodriguez-Poetry
Christie Gorka and Kalee Lowry-Memorized Duo
Carol Anders Correspondent
