The state competition for individual speech contest will be held Saturday, and area schools will be well represented at the event. Mid-Prairie is sending six students in nine categories to Vinton-Shellsburg High School, while Highland is sending five. Three Mid-Prairie students will perform in two events, including Michael Meserole in storytelling and literary program, Isaiah Sents in solo music theater and individual improvisational acting, and Lauryn Weiss in prose and acting. Also representing Mid-Prairie will be Elijah Meader in poetry, Lilian Radeboldt-Hopper in reviewing, and Anna Yoder in acting. Representing Highland will be Nathan Butler in solo improv, Samantha Cox in after dinner speaking, Sam Davis in solo improv, Zoe Mahler in radio news, and Kate McFarland in public address.

To prepare the students for state, Mid-Prairie Speech Coach Dave Helmuth says he uses the next level of competition to motivate them further, “They might not feel like rehearsing all that much, but at the same time, this is our chance to go to All-State. So basically, just really brushing up the piece, and then maybe just adding that extra something that will really stand out for the judges.”

Highland Speech Coach Justin Rapier echoes Helmuth, saying his primary focus has been on refining and improving what got his students to state in the first place. In order to advance to the All-State competition at the University of Northern Iowa on March 27th, participants must receive a I rating and and an outstanding performer nomination.