For our next feature of Spotlight On Clubs, we have the GHS Speech Team. The main focus of the club is to make students better public speakers and give them an opportunity to compete in something that isn’t a sport. The team travels all around the area to take part in tournaments that showcase members abilities. This club is sponsored by the one and only, Mrs. Bookless.
This year’s speech team has a variety of members with a wide range of talent. Liliana Asta ‘26, Lex Abt ‘27, Sofie Lin ‘27, Macklan Murphy ‘27, Ginger Cox ‘27, Andy Issleb ‘28, Seven Smith ‘28, Justin Lin ‘28, Briar Winter ‘29, and Hayden Bradbury ‘29 all make up the ‘25 – ‘26 speech team. The team has been making strides towards success this season and has been having wins all across the board. “There’s so much work that goes into preparing for a tournament,” Murphy ‘27 commented. “When that work is recognized during the award ceremonies, it’s an awesome feeling.” Members are constantly at work perfecting their speeches to perform at the highest level possible and it is all guided by Bookless.
“If a student is willing to practice with their coach, listen and apply feedback and show up and do their best, then they should have success in speech,” said Bookless. She has been involved in the world of speech for 32 years so her expertise is beyond valuable to the team’s success. These wins are felt greatly by all members of the team, and especially by Bookless. “I love to see a student who didn’t think they were doing well finally break into a final round and win an award,” Bookless shared.
But oftentimes, the club means more to members than just the wins. Members are able to connect with students who share the same passions for public speaking and are able to create meaningful friendships. “I have made so many friends throughout my four years doing speech,” shared Asta. “Re-connecting with them each year is definitely one of the things I will miss most.” These friendships also really shine through between the members of the team. “We spend all day every Saturday together, and we leave so early in the morning. If we weren’t having fun, I don’t know why anyone would do it,” Bookless said.
Each year before the IHSA regional, Galena hosts the Speech Regional Showcase. This event is held at the Galena Center for the Arts and is an opportunity for parents to see what their kids have been doing. This is also a great opportunity for students to come out and support their classmates. As well as draw in students who may be interested in joining and can really see what the club is all about. Don’t be afraid to branch out and join the Speech Team!
