News Summary
The Willmar High School Speech Team has made history by sending three finalists to the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions. This marks a first for the school, as Adamaris Moreno and Brandon Valladares secured fourth place in duo interpretation, while Alyson Johnson impressed with fourth in informative speaking and fifth in extemporaneous speaking. A total of twelve students participated, with eight advancing to the later rounds, reflecting the team’s depth of talent and dedication. Coach Andrew Tupa emphasizes the significance of these achievements as they look towards future competitions.
Willmar, Minnesota – The Willmar High School Speech Team has made history by producing three finalists at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions held from May 15-18, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks the first time in the school’s history that competitors have reached the final rounds of a national speech competition.
Adamaris Moreno and Brandon Valladares, who previously claimed victory at the State Speech Tournament in duo interpretation in April, stood out at the national level by securing fourth place among over 150 competitors. Meanwhile, fellow team member Alyson Johnson achieved notable success by placing fourth in informative speaking and fifth in extemporaneous speaking, competing against nearly 200 participants in each of those categories.
A total of twelve students from Willmar Senior High School participated in the national tournament, representing the largest group of entries the school has sent to date. Notably, eight of these students managed to qualify for the later rounds of the competition, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
Aside from the three finalists, Lizveth Garcia Palma made an impressive showing by advancing to the quarterfinals in the impromptu speaking category, landing her in the top 30 overall. Additionally, the duet acting team of Tangh Conklin and Brihanna Herrera reached the octafinals, placing in the top 60. Another duet acting duo, Brooklyn Pederson and Zavore Hunt, also advanced to the octafinals in duo interpretation.
Other students representing Willmar at the tournament included Ahnaly Morales, Eileen Bosch, Isaac Peterson, and Jaiden Fredrickson, further emphasizing the strong participation and commitment of the team.
This recent success at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions not only highlights the skills of the individual participants but also reflects the ongoing dedication and preparedness of the Willmar High School Speech Team. Coach Andrew Tupa noted the historic significance of the event for the team, indicating the positive trajectory the group has taken in recent times.
Looking ahead, the Willmar Speech Team is scheduled to compete next at the 100th National Speech and Debate Association Tournament, which will be held from June 15 to June 20, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. This upcoming tournament presents yet another opportunity for the students to showcase their abilities on a national stage, continuing their remarkable journey in the world of competitive speech.
The achievements of the Willmar High School Speech Team contribute to the vibrant tradition of academic excellence within the community, encouraging more students to explore and develop their public speaking and performance skills.
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Additional Resources
- West Central Tribune: Willmar High School Speech Team Makes Finals
- Wikipedia: Speech (Language)
- West Central Tribune: Cardinal Pride Improves Access to Activities
- Google Search: Willmar High School
- New York Times: Opinion on Willmar, Minnesota
- Google Scholar: Willmar Speech Team
- West Central Tribune: Willmar Middle School Performs Finding Nemo Jr
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speech
- West Central Tribune: Willmar Speech Ends Tournament Drought
- Google News: Willmar Speech Competition
