The DHS speech team and coaches have learned the judges at Saturday’s Individual Speech State Contest selected a record 18 Decorah performances as outstanding, receiving All-State Speech nominations.
The DHS speech team and coaches have learned the judges at Saturday’s Individual Speech State Contest selected a record 18 Decorah performances as outstanding, receiving All-State Speech nominations.
Coaches Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight shared, “We are beyond thrilled with these results. We are celebrating this school record; our previous record was thirteen back in 2021.”
They continued, “The talent, hard work, and creative spirit of our students continue to amaze us all. We are thankful for all of the support along the way from our school, families, and community.”
Every All-State nomination–performing and non-performing–are of the same importance and distinction. Students are deemed as performers or non-performers based on the confines of the festival schedule. The festival is March 27 at the University of Northern Iowa.
The students who received All-State nominations are as follows:
DECORAH
Performing
Ada Lovelace, acting; Brynn Storhoff, poetry; Corina Timm, spontaneous speaking; and Diep Doan, original oratory; Ella Grouws, solo musical theatre; Elliana Brodbeck, reviewing; Henry Weis, storytelling; Jenna Hartz, original oratory; Junior Battle, expository address; Libby Phillips, solo musical theatre; Margret Zook, storytelling; and Simon Kutz, radio news announcing.
Non-Performing
Davis Coppola, after dinner speaking; Ezra Vorvick, poetry; Jake Magner, acting;
Jensen Korsness, reviewing; and Kathryn Kelly, poetry
Decorah 9th Grade
Performing
Mikayla Hinerl, solo musical theatre.
DHS students perform well at State Competition
Approximately 46 students participated in the state contest March 11 at Starmont School. Out of Decorah’s 44 performances, 39 received I (excellent) ratings.
The directors shared, “Our students had an amazing day. Their poise, passion, and talent were on full display throughout the day. We couldn’t be happier with their performances.”
Receiving the division I (excellent) ratings from judges were the following 10-12th grade students: Becca Kane, Jenna Hartz and Diep Doan, original oratory; Grace Blikre, Alex McGohan, public address; Max Wilson and Junior Battle, expository address; Margret Zook, Henry Weis and Ramsey Zilka, storytelling; Dannielle Rix and Bethany Hanson, prose; Kathryn Kelly, Ezra Vorvick, Brynn Storhoff, poetry; Jensen Korsness and Elliana Brodbeck, review; Natalie Goodner, Hayley Stowe, Leslie Campbell, literature program; Libby Phillips, Ella Grouws, solo musical; Jake Magner and Ada Lovelace, acting; Davis Coppola, Gabriel Hiner, after dinner speaking; Corina Timm and Ethan Stravers, spontaneous speaking; Rebecca Anderson, Anders Lovstuen and Simon Kutz, radio news; and Joe Stammeyer and Liam Chamberlain, individual improv. The 9th grade students earning Division I ratings were June Breitenbach-Dirks, original oratory; Caleb Johnson, after dinner speaking; Mikayla Hiner, literature program; Mikayla Hiner; Mikayla Hiner and June Breitenbach-Dirks, solo musical; and Klara Kelly, storytelling.
Division II (good) ratings were awarded to these 10th-12th grade students: Lily Sandhorst, after dinner speaking; Sophia Christman, prose; and Michael Njus, spontaneous speaking. The 9th grade students earning Division II ratings were Ezra Harman-Wood, prose; and Caleb Johnson, acting.