Iola High School’s storied forensics team featured another solid season in 2017.
Perhaps too successful.
Of the 39 participants in competitive speaking or acting this spring, IHS churned out 32 state-qualifying events, a record for drama instructor Regina Chriestenson.
Unfortunately, schools are limited to 16 entries at the upcoming State Speech and Drama Championships.
So that meant some tough choices.
The students will compete at the state competition Saturday at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. A community send-off is planned for 1 p.m. Friday in the alley behind the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
MONDAY’S showcase offered the public a glimpse at many of the entries IHS will take to the state event.
Eleven of the 16 entries were put on display as part of a fundraiser for the forensics program.
Performing were:
— Aaron Terhune, with his oral interpretation of poetry piece, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
— Zach Cokely and Lexie Vega, duet acting, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
— Isaiah Wicoff, informative speaking, “Stressed Out Bees”
— Parker Smith, oral interpretation of prose, “The Day the Crayons Quit”
— Gaby Lampe and Sadrie Overall, duet acting, “Steel Magnolias”
— Emma Weseloh, oral interpretation of prose, “Missing Natalie”
— Allie Fager, humorous solo acting “Regina Flector Wins the Science Fair”
— Karly McGuffin, oral interpretation of poetry “Girl Code 101” and “Like Totally Whatever”
— River Hess, humorous solo acting, “Mary Choppins.”
— Glenn Riddle, serious solo acting “The Day the Voices Stopped”
— Ella Taylor, oral interpretation of prose, “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”
ALSO competing at state are Lampe, impromptu speaking, Terhune and McGuffin, both in oral interpretation of prose, Fager and Vega, improvised duet acting, and Cokely, serious solo acting.
Other state qualifiers from Iola were Persephone Burleson, Quentin Mallette, JieJie Burleson, Caleb Spencer, Mia Aronson, Sierra Petty, Morgan Jett, Chloe Reeves and Allie Utley.
ON TOP of the state competitors, four IHS students have qualified for the National Catholic Forensics League Grant National Tournament this summer in Louisville, Ky.
Terhune and McGuffin qualified in oral interpretation of literature; Vega and Cokely in duo interpretation.
Monday’s showcase was preceded by a free-will donation baked potato dinner. A silent auction followed.
Proceeds will help defray costs for the national competition.
