Speech Team Post Season
Emma Blaum stands with her competition on stage before the regionals awards ceremony. At this ceremony, Blaum finds out she qualified for sectionals. She has been part of the speech team since her freshman year and has improved more as the seasons progressed. “I love competing on the speech team and hope more people will join the speech team next year!” Blaum stated.
Galena High School’s speech team has had a very successful season and pushes on into their post season. The team competed at the IHSA Regional at Freeport High School on February 5. The entire team was successful with a few individuals having a particularly exciting competition.
Adison Leitzinger ‘25 placed 7th in her category, Prose Reading where students interpret and present a short story.
Madison Wild ‘24 placed 6th in Original Oratory where competitors write an eight minute persuasive speech about a topic that they want to raise awareness for.
Two members were able to advance to the sectionals which took place in DeKalb on February 12. Emma Blaum ‘24 placed 3rd in her category Oratorical Declamation pushing her on into the sectionals.
Chloe Roland ‘23 placed 4th in Radio Speaking and was nominated for Pirate Competitor of the Week the week of February 7. Coach Susan Bookless expressed “This was Chloe’s first regional and she handled the competition with confidence. Chloe has been a great addition to the team. She listens in practice and really tries to make herself better and stronger each time she performs. I’m excited to see how far she can go!”
Blaum and Roland continued on to sectionals in DeKalb on February 12. Each faced tough competition in their respective categories. “Going to sectionals was an amazing feeling because I have worked hard this season,” Roland expressed. “Speech has pushed me out of my comfort zone and gotten me to expand my horizons.”
After a fierce competition, neither competitor placed high enough to advance to the finals. Blaum was only a couple points away from qualifying for state. “I was proud of myself for getting as far as I did,” she said. “It was disappointing to not get to the finals but I know I did my best.” Blaum is already excited for the next speech season and hopes more people will join the team.
Galena High School could not be more proud of its speech team and congratulates each and every member on their accomplishments this season. GHS can’t wait to see where the speech team will go next season with a new team and new possibilities.
