State Individual Speech Contest competitors from Marshalltown High School include: front row, from left, Isabella Pedersen and Mackenzie Moyer. Back row, Megan Emerson, Elliot Weidenaar and Hadley Wagner. State was held at North Scott High School in Eldridge on March 12.
Five Marshalltown High School students had successful showings at the State Individual Speech Contest on March 12 at North Scott High School in Eldridge, hosted by the Iowa High School Speech Association.
Senior Megan Emerson received Division 1 ratings in original oratory and poetry. Senior Elliot Weidenaar received an overall Division 1 rating in literary program. Junior Isabella Pedersen received Division 1 ratings in original oratory and Division 2 ratings in solo musical theater. Sophomore Hadley Wagner received a Division 2 overall rating in solo musical theater. Freshman Mackenzie Moyer received Division 2 ratings in after dinner speaking.
The group qualified for state after all receiving Division 1 ratings at the district speech contest held at MHS on February 27.
The group is coached by MHS teachers Brianna Yates and Jocelyn Frohwein. Yates said while none of the MHS students received the all-state designation at state this year, they still did a great job.
“It was a fun day,” Yates said.
