Eleven Marshalltown High School students competed at Iowa Forensic League’s state competition held March 3-5 on the University of Iowa campus. The students competed in seven different events and took home many accolades for their work in speech and debate.
The Marshalltown Forensic Team took fourth place in the speech sweepstakes, which is determined by how many individuals on the team make it into semi-finals and finals, and how well they did in finals. This is the first time in many years that Marshalltown has been in the top five of sweepstakes.
Gwen Morrison and Danielle Propst competed in Oral Interpretation, an event that mixes prose and poetry. Both made it to the semi-final round of competition. Other MHS competitors included: Adam Willman and Christian Kremer-Terry in Original Oratory; Ilene Finn and Theresa Miller paired up to compete in Duo Interpretation, as did Molly Finn and Abby Snyder; James Lindgren and Tray Hickie both competed in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. James Lindgren also presented a Dramatic Interpretation. James made it to the final rounds in both Dramatic Interpretation and Domestic Extemporaneous, placing third in both events.
Lindgren was also one of seven students nominated for the Senior of the Year award. Each year seniors from across the state are nominated for this honor and coaches vote for the winner. Lindgren earned enough votes to come in second place.
In the debate division of the competition, Abby Snyder, Tray Hickie, Adam Willman, and Ilene Finn participated in Student Congress. Abby Snyder made it to the final congress house, which is a major accomplishment at the state level of competition. Molly Wilson and Danielle Propst paired up to compete in Public Forum Debate. They were one win away from making it to elimination rounds.
