Decorah High School’s individual speech participants—coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight—competed in the district contest on Saturday, February 25th, at Decorah High School. Around 47 DHS students participated in the contest. Out of Decorah’s 51 performances, 45 received I (excellent) ratings. Those performances will advance to the state competition.

The directors shared, “Our students did an incredible job representing our school with their poise, professionalism, and preparedness. We are also so grateful for all of the students, staff, families, and community members who stepped up to help us host this contest.”

The Individual Speech State Contest will be held at Starmont High School in Arlington on Saturday, March 11th.

Results for Decorah Speech Performers Grades 10-12

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Original Oratory: Becca Kane, Jenna Hartz, Diep Doan

Public Address: Grace Blikre, Alex McGohan

Expository Address: Max Wilson, Junior Battle

Storytelling: Margret Zook, Henry Weis, Ramsey Zilka

Prose: Danielle Rix, Bethany Hanson, Sophia Christman

Poetry: Kathryn Kelly, Ezra Vorvick, Brynn Storhoff

Review: Jensen Korsness, Elliana Brodbeck

Literature Program: Natalie Goodner, Hayley Stowe, Leslie Campbell

Solo Musical: Libby Phillips, Ella Grouws

Acting: Jake Magner, Ada Lovelace

After Dinner Speaking: Davis Coppola, Lily Sandhorst, Gabriel Hiner

Spontaneous Speaking: Michael Njus, Corina Timm, Ethan Stravers

Radio News: Rebecca Anderson, Anders Lovstuen, Simon Kutz

Individual Improv: Jack Sovern, Joe Stammeyer, Liam Chamberlain

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Expository Address: Luke Arendt

Review: Braunwyn Darrington

Solo Musical: Alex Kane

Acting: Elsa Johnson

Public Address: Klaara Short

Results for Decorah Speech Performers Grade 9

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Original Oratory: June Breitenbach-Dirks

After Dinner Speaking: Caleb Johnson

Prose: Ezra Harman-Wood

Literature Program: Mikayla Hiner

Solo Musical: Mikayla Hiner, June Breitenbach-Dirks

Acting: Caleb Johnson

Storytelling: Klara Kelly

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Acting: Ezra Harman-Wood