The Highland speech team received several I ratings at the district contest for individual speech, and they will be sending five students to the state competition. Highland competed at Tipton High School for districts, and the five who advanced will perform at Vinton-Shellsburg High School for state. The students advancing include Nathan Butler for solo improvisational acting, Samantha Cox for after dinner speaking, Sam Davis for solo improv, Zoe Mahler for radio news, and Kate McFarland for public address.

Highland Speech Coach Justin Rapier says leading up to state, his task is to help the students refine their performances. He explains, “Basically we work on building on the skills they already have. So if we have a good speech, or we have a good technique, then we try to improve upon that. So we get some more specific things that they’re doing in terms of their delivery, in terms of their approach to things.” The state individual speech competition will be held March 11th, and the next step after that would be All-State at the University of Northern Iowa on March 27th. In order to advance to All-State, participants must receive a I rating and an outstanding performer nomination.