CL, G-LR individual speech teams prepare for competition
Madalynn Van Der Weerd
Staff Intern
Individual speech teams from George-Little Rock and Central Lyon are planning on attending the district individual speech competition Saturday, Feb. 28, at Sioux City North High School in Sioux City.
Spencer Carstensen is the individual speech coach at George-Little Rock. This year there are 17 students participating with a total 27 entries for the speech competition.
“I enjoy coaching individual speech because of the students I get to work with.
Watching them show off their talents and skills while helping them refine and develop them further is incredible in and of itself,” said Carstensen.
Individual speech is an opportunity for students to work on improving their communication skills and ability to speak in front of people by making it fun and interesting. There are also multiple categories students can do their speech on.
“Individual speech is one of the best ways a high school student can test and grow their public-speaking skills, as well as their performance skills. Students being able to grow as effective communicators is the main goal of speech, and is important for them in whatever they decide to do after graduation,” said Carstensen.
Seniors participating this year are Hailey Godbersen, Hayden McAlpine, Elirie Rettin, Ashley Schmidt, Sosie Ver Steeg and Kaylee Zamorano.
Juniors participating are Madelyn Aeikens, Joanna Daniels, Nathalee Macias, Gretchen Stratman and Kara Whitacre.
There are five sophomores in individual speech: Zach Anderson, Michelle Daniels, Carter Greve, Garrett Helkenn and Amy Thole.
Dan Arends is the only freshman participating.
“I am very excited to see how districts go for our students, and we truly appreciate the support from not only our school district, but the community as well,” said Carstensen.
Ann Langholdt is the Central Lyon individual speech coach. This year there are 24 students participating with 31 entries for the competition.
Seniors participating in speech at Central Lyon are Claire Reiter, Kyra Van Berkum and Serenity Fluit.
Juniors participating are Aria Nebelsick, Anastasia Wood, Elsa Kurrle, Anika Springer, David Nebelsick, Maggie McCarthy, Ellea Pulscher, Amber Langholdt, Trinity Strassburg, Lexie DeWeerd and Levi Nebelsick.
Sophomores are Kassandra Holland, Ellie Docker, Jacob Van Aartsen, Rhya Kelderman, Serna Carey and Taylor Hasche.
Six freshmen are participating this year: Fallon Smith, Gracia Poppinga, Johna Schipper, Jackson Groen, Joanna Lewis, and Jackson Groen.
