After a successful district contest at Northeast Community High School last month, nine Columbus Speech Team members have advanced to state this weekend.

Earning a Division 1 rating at individual districts were Averi Sipes and Brynna Schwab for Poetry. Adan Martinez advanced for Spontaneous Speaking. Dakota Storm is performing in Original Oratory. Jenny Castellanos received a Division 1 rating in Prose to punch her ticket to state, while Damian Vergara advanced for Radio News Announcing. Rounding out the group of Wildcats performing at state are Jocelyn Hernandez for Public Address, Hank Cutler for Solo Improvisation, and Daniela Diaz for Solo Musical Theatre. Columbus Speech is coached by Holly Canny.

The nine are scheduled to perform at the Iowa High School Speech Association’s Individual Events State Speech Contest on Saturday, March 11. This year’s event will be held at North Scott High School in Eldridge.