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Pair of Speech Team Students Advance to National Tournament

Pair of Speech Team Students Advance to National Tournament
Pair of Speech Team Students Advance to National Tournament

STILLWATER AREA HIGH SCHOOL -- March 11, 2024 -- The Speech Team at Stillwater Area High School has been building on an impressive season as their latest event launched two students to the national stage.

By finishing second overall at the National Qualifying Tournament for his Humorous Interpretation, Brendyn Van Houten advances to his second straight national appearance, while Sophie Amundgaard earned an at-large entry for her season performance in International Extemp Speaking. 

The duo is set to travel to Des Moines, Iowa in June and compete at the 2024 NSDA National Tournament. Although other strong teammates of theirs advanced to both semifinals and final competitions at the National Qualifier, they look to join Brendyn and Sophie by earning an advancing spot to Nationals in the Last Chance Qualifier in April. 

John Corbett: Fourth place in Informative Speaking
Makayla Duffy-Wightman: Fifth place in Informative Speaking
Soren Peterson: Sixth place in US Extemp Speaking
Gretta Selbitscka and Zita Meyer: Sixth place in duo speaking
Ella Venzke: 10th place in US Extemp Speaking and 11th place in International Extemp Speaking
Cole Nuss: 11th place in Program Oral Interp
Zita Meyer: 13th place in Informative Speaking

Coaches Rish and Perkins served as judges for the weekend's competitive tournament. If you have interest in volunteering to judge an upcoming speech event, reach out to Speech Team coach Kristan Van Houten

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