BOONE, Iowa—Fifteen Boone High School performances at the District Individual Speech Contest earned the highest rating possible, qualifying them for the state competition. The team of BHS students prepared twenty-three performances in categories as diverse as interpretive reading of poetry, film review, and musical theater.  Veterans and rookies alike earned top ratings after weeks of preparation.

“These students put in so many hours of hard work to prepare, and it definitely paid off,” said head coach Cassie Alber.

Two students, junior Evie Bell and sophomore Sierra Sherry earned I’s (the top rating) in two categories, demonstrating their range of talent. Bell will advance to state in storytelling and reviewing while Sherry qualified in the categories of poetry and musical theatre. Other students earning I’s include seniors Akela Salter in musical theatre, Gabe Wolf in spontaneous speaking, Carlee Carpenter in acting, and Maverick Meimann in poetry. Juniors earning I’s were Logan Shearer in spontaneous speaking and Chloey Davidson in original oratory. Sophomores Clara Carpenter, Chelbie Brown, and Mabel Overton earned I’s in the categories of storytelling, review, and original oratory, respectively. Two freshmen will also advance to state: Collin Holman earned a I in improvisation, and Kaili Salter in musical theatre. 

Eight other BHS speech performances at districts earned II ratings. Seniors earning II’s are Cassidy Hasstedt in musical theatre and review and Elinor Wojcik in spontaneous speaking. Junior Allie Hunter earned a II in the category of acting, Logan Shearer in after dinner speaking, and Caitlin Alber in original oratory. Sophomore Alex Cunningham and freshman Colin Hollman also earned II’s in the acting category.

The State Individual Speech Contest will be held virtually on March 13th. Johnston High School will be hosting several other schools. All contestants will be adjudicated by 3 judges. Students who receive I’s at State could also receive an All-State nomination.