The Warsaw Community High School (WCHS) speech team had achievements for the 2023-24 season, including results, qualifiers and special recognitions.
The speech team members have demonstrated excellence throughout the season, competing in numerous tournaments across the region and state. Their dedication, hard work and competitive spirit have resulted in multiple team awards and individual accolades, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
Season Results:
Freshman members include Samantha Anderson, Alyzah Guerra, Grace Kuric, Lillian Price, Sara Rosales Cordon and Manasvi Singh. Anderson, Guerra, Price and Singh all placed in a tournament final round during the season, with Kuric qualifying for the Indiana State Speech and Debate Association (ISSDA) State Tournament in humorous interpretation.
Sophomore members Kristina Kolembe, Emilia Samaranayake and Dailyn Stemen also had a productive season. Kolembe and Stemen continued to increase their standings, while Samaranayake qualified for the ISSDA State Tournament in discussion.
Junior members Kylah Cook, Angela Rico and Griffin Roe saw growth in their presentation skills. Roe placed in the final round in broadcasting at the Bulldog Battle at Butler University.
Senior members Emilia Aram, Var Bobba, Grace Ganser, Noah Luce, Sophia Lunsford, Doondeeshwar Patnala, Scarlett Shaffer, Thomas Solloway, Shashank Upadhyay and Violet Watson have set the bar and expectations for coming seasons. All seniors placed in at least one final tournament round during the season. Bobba, Ganser, Patnala, Shaffer and Upadhyay all qualified for the ISSDA State Tournament, with Bobba and Ganser achieving top-six finishes; Bobba placed fourth in the state in original oratory, and Ganser placed sixth in the state in broadcasting. Both Bobba and Watson qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. Watson will compete at the National Tournament in June in original oratory.
Individual Accolades
In addition to team points, students also earn individual points each time they compete and place at qualifying tournaments. The season culminated in the recognition of two outstanding seniors, Var Bobba and Grace Ganser, who have led the team with distinction. Ganser achieved Superior Distinction, and Bobba earned Outstanding Distinction during their tenure on the team. Both Bobba and Ganser have been named to the All-District Speech Team and have earned the prestigious title of Academic All-American by the NSDA, the first team members of the WCHS speech team to officially attain this distinction.
In addition to all the accolades, speech team members gain the skills and abilities to highlight social issues and bring about positive change. Var Bobba demonstrated this when he was invited to present his speech at a meeting of the Indiana Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Indianapolis. The meeting was held in April, and Bobba was pleased with the response to his message.
As our senior members graduate, the WCHS speech team looks forward to continuing their legacy. The team's achievements this season reflect the dedication of all its members, coaches, and supporters. Special thanks to assistant volunteer coaches Jana Kuric and Jason Pogue.