PC speech team boasts three state medalists

The Perkins County speech team brought home three medals at the state competition Friday, March 19.

Prior to their departure for the meet, the qualifying team members did a walkthrough at the school Thursday, Mar. 18.

Seven students from PCS qualified for the Class C2 state speech meet: junior Meghan Bishop, sophomore Eli Busick, junior Triston Hite, senior Rylee Huff, senior Carter Krajewski, junior Summer Postlewait and sophomore Gavin Smith.

Each event saw 18 competitors across 24 schools that attended the meet. There were two rounds to determine which six students would make it to the final round.

Three Perkins County students qualified for the final round: Krajewski in the entertainment category, and Bishop and Smith in persuasive speaking.

“The kids were so excited to make finals,” said coach Penny Hite. “They worked so hard! Just getting to finals is an honor!”

Krajewski earned sixth place overall in entertainment. Bishop finished in fourth and Smith in sixth with their persuasive speeches.

“Once you get to state, it is really difficult to final,” Hite explained. “18 of the best performances are there competing for top honors. I don’t know how many times I heard how good the others in their rounds were.”

“That’s one thing about speech,” she continued. “The kids are so excited for each other when they do make it to the finals because they know the competition is fierce! This is where character trains shine. All the kids show great encouragement for each other.”

Graduating members of the speech team are Jessie Craig, Huff, Hannah Kempf, Krajewski and Savannah Schmitt.

State results

• Entertainment: Carter Krajewski, 6th

• Informative: Rylee Huff, 12th

•Persuasive: Meghan Bishop, 4th; Gavin Smith, 6th

•Extemporaneous:Eli Busick, 17th

• Poetry: Summer Postlewait, 10th

• Humerous Prose: Triston Hite, 15th