Iola High School’s forensics team may be young, but they’ve already accomplished a lot.
The team placed first in four forensics meets this year, including the Pioneer League meet. They received 136 medals for the year.
The team will be headed to state competition in Topeka on Saturday.
Sixteen of the 23 members are also headed to state as individual performers.
“They’re a young team overall,” adviser Regina Chriestenson said.
“We didn’t know what to expect, coming off an all-virtual season last year. But they placed in every tournament.”
The school will offer a send-off event at 9:55 a.m. Friday in the IHS commons area.
The students showed off some of their state-qualifying performances at a Forensics Showcase on Monday evening at the Creitz Recital Hall at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Here’s a summary of those performances:
Max Andersen: Oral Interpretation of Prose
“The Legend of Paper Rock Scissors” by Drew Daywalt
Andersen uses a full range of his voice to tell the story of warriors seeking battle. His “call to arms” evokes memories of 1990s cartoons and video games. His energy is infectious and his sound effects are stunning.
Hailey Stogsdill: Oral Interpretation of Poetry
“Missing Natalie” by Nicole Blackman
Stogsdill tackles a serious subject as she recounts the emotional story of a girl whose twin sister was abducted while on a shopping trip. Stogsdill delivers a heartfelt performance.
Kendall Glaze and Everett Glaze: Duet Acting
“The Devil in Sherman Marsh” by Don Zolidis
