WCHS Speech Team Members Qualify For State Finals
March 11, 2021 at 12:36 a.m.
WCHS Speech Team Members Qualify For State Finals
By Staff Report-
Speech coach Kathryn Anders said, “This means that they are currently ranked top 24 in the state. We will find out as they compete this weekend if they will advance to top 12, then top six.”
On Saturday, March 6, the team participated in the Northeast District Speech Competition. Out of the 15 entries, WCHS was able to qualify five students to the national speech tournament. Only the top two placings in each event are able to advance to nationals. Jessica Pogue qualified in humor, Reagan Polk qualified in drama, Ian Peloza qualified in POI and Kylee Anders and Jason Benyousky qualified in duo and were tournament champions.
WCHS had three students who were named to be on the all-district team, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. This honor is given to the top 25 point holders in the district. Kylee Anders, Rachel Dempsey and Rachel McLane were the three to represent Warsaw on this team.
Troy Akers, WCHS principal, was named the Northeast District Administrator of the Year due to his supportive efforts and encouragement of the speech team, the release states. This nomination will move on to the selection of The National Administrator of the Year Award by NSDA.
In addition to recognition at contests, Rachel Dempsey, senior on the speech team, was awarded the first annual Jennifer K. Shepherd Mental Attitude Award. This award will be given to a deserving senior each year, along with a $500 scholarship to a college of their choosing. Shepherd was with WCS for 20 years previously as a teacher and an administrator. In 2017, Shepherd was diagnosed with ALS.
Anders said, "Throughout it all, Jennifer has maintained a positive mental attitude and still continues to contribute to the happiness of others and offer encouragement."
Latest News
E-Editions
Speech coach Kathryn Anders said, “This means that they are currently ranked top 24 in the state. We will find out as they compete this weekend if they will advance to top 12, then top six.”
On Saturday, March 6, the team participated in the Northeast District Speech Competition. Out of the 15 entries, WCHS was able to qualify five students to the national speech tournament. Only the top two placings in each event are able to advance to nationals. Jessica Pogue qualified in humor, Reagan Polk qualified in drama, Ian Peloza qualified in POI and Kylee Anders and Jason Benyousky qualified in duo and were tournament champions.
WCHS had three students who were named to be on the all-district team, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. This honor is given to the top 25 point holders in the district. Kylee Anders, Rachel Dempsey and Rachel McLane were the three to represent Warsaw on this team.
Troy Akers, WCHS principal, was named the Northeast District Administrator of the Year due to his supportive efforts and encouragement of the speech team, the release states. This nomination will move on to the selection of The National Administrator of the Year Award by NSDA.
In addition to recognition at contests, Rachel Dempsey, senior on the speech team, was awarded the first annual Jennifer K. Shepherd Mental Attitude Award. This award will be given to a deserving senior each year, along with a $500 scholarship to a college of their choosing. Shepherd was with WCS for 20 years previously as a teacher and an administrator. In 2017, Shepherd was diagnosed with ALS.
Anders said, "Throughout it all, Jennifer has maintained a positive mental attitude and still continues to contribute to the happiness of others and offer encouragement."
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092