by Taylor Burns

  On Feb. 4, four speech groups traveled to Cedar Rapids to compete in the State Large Group speech competition. There were three Improv groups and one Readers’ Theatre group.

The ratings are given on a four-point scale: I’s being excellent and IV’s are reserved for disqualifications. If the group receives more II than I ratings, it goes to an all around Division II.

The Readers’ Theatre group received three Division II ratings. In this group were seniors Katie Vande Wall, Bailey Brodersen, Chelbie Gillespie, Mallery Downey, Jaiden Rogers and Kayla Dustin; junior Sydney Burns; sophomores Carson Clark and Payton Konek; and freshmen Zoey Emmack and Blake VanDerKamp. They performed a tall tale called “The Legend of Slappy Hopper.” The group was directed by senior Graham Davis.

“Next year we need to add more energy to our entries. Especially with our Readers’ Theatre entry, the judges were looking for more energy from each participant,” Speech Director Janice Davis said.

The first Improv group consisted of seniors Courtney Bridges, Jayci Vos and Downey, junior Jacob Ponder and Konek. They received one Division I rating and two Division II ratings.

The second Improv group included sophomores Jared Smith, Mia Rouse and Maddy Buys. All the judges gave them Division II ratings.

The third and final Improv group to compete at State were Rodgers, Gillespie, Dustin and Clark. They also were given three Division II ratings.

“I would have loved to see higher ratings for our groups on Saturday, but I am still so proud of each group for the hard work they put into each entry,” Mrs. Davis said.

PCM left the competition with one Division I rating and eight Division II ratings. None of the groups received a Division III or IV ratings, which means all of the performances were excellent and good.

“I am extremely proud of the speech participants. It takes a courageous teenager to be able to get up in front of people and talk and perform. Not many kids can do that,” Mrs. Davis said.