By Seth Romsa
Staff Writer
Speech and debate places third at virtual state; 3 earn state championships
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Worland High School speech members Madeline Martinson and Kimberly Sumida (duo shown here at the Worlando Beach tournament) and Elizabeth Bleicher (below) won state titles in Class 3A during the virtual state competition last week.
WORLAND – The Worland speech and debate team competed in the Wyoming State Speech Championships in a unique fashion, and finished third overall behind Riverton and Jackson, with one individual and one duo earning 3A state champions.
The three state champions were Elizabeth Bleicher in original oratory and Madeline Martinson and Kim Sumida in CX policy debate.
Bleicher finished fourth overall among all classes, and first among 3A competition. Bleicher also took third in 3A in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
"Despite the unorthodox way that state took place, it was so much fun and I loved being a part of it," Bleicher said. "I appreciate the effort by everyone involved to make this possible."
"State debate created an uplifting environment in these unprecedented times, not only did the new platform contribute to the uniqueness, but the vast opportunities created for us by our hardworking community shaped the memorable experience," Sumida said. "I am extremely grateful to have been able to compete in a state tournament despite the current circumstances and I am very appreciative of the nationwide effort we received with judging."
Other placers for the team were Raeth Tolman in humorous interpretation, who placed sixth overall, and was named third in 3A. Jade Hefenieder took fifth overall, and was named second in 3A. In duo interpretation, Hefenieder and Katherine Martinson took fifth overall, and the duo of Guendylan Byrd and Michael Neufer took third overall, were named second in 3A.
In dramatic interpretation, Aubrey Avant went to the semifinals which earned her top 12 in the state, and Raeth Tolman took sixth overall, and was named second in 3A.
"I was please students were able to compete. It was so kind of the University of Wyoming folks and the State officers to work overtime to make it happen online. It was as good as real life, but it let students get to do something to finish the year. I'm especially proud of our younger team members who stepped in when some students decided it wasn't possible to compete and keep up with their online schooling. We also had two novices who scored points for us this year which is a good sign for the future. I am especially grateful for the graduates and friends from all over the country who jumped in and helped with judging! The students were so grateful to get a state meet, even if it was a truncated form.
"Congratulations to all who competed, thanks to all who judged, and a special thank you to my assistant coach, Emily Myers," head coach Rick Dorn said.
