Red Oak speech team will send 20 events to State

The Red Oak speech team competed at Districts Saturday in Logan-Magnolia. We sent 28 events (which involved 20 students) and 20 of the 28 events were selected to attend the State Individual Speech Competition.  

Those who received a “1” rating qualifying them for State are: Sarah Hayes, after dinner speaking and storytelling; Michael Manchester, radio news; Stephanie Parris, solo musical theatre and poetry; Brad Black, prose and poetry; Brandy Childers, literary program; Bevin Griffen, acting and storytelling; Maggie Bennett, literary program; Laura Butz, solo musical theatre; Angelica Cerda, acting and literary program; Ellen Fellers, prose and after dinner speaking; Travis Schon, prose; Gil Cooper, prose; Teanna Pafford, prose; Jared Sherman, solo musical theatre.

Others who performed well were: Caleb Gould, radio news; Jasmine Rigby, storytelling and poetry; Brandy Childers, improv; Kathryn Rooker, public address; Eva Woods, acting; Brianna Nowlin, poetry; Donnie Torbett, solo musical theatre.

I am so unbelievably proud of these kids. They have worked tirelessly on speech, most of them while they have musical practice. Some were also juggling jobs and sports. They have worked for hours to prepare a performance that lasts between 5-8 minutes, depending on the event. Without their dedication and commitment, this speech team wouldn't be nearly as strong as it is.

By Laura Horn, Red Oak High School Language Arts Instructor and Large Group and Individual Speech Head Coach