The Luverne speech students are picking up where they left off in 2021 by winning their first tournament of 2022 Saturday in Worthington.
The defending Section 3A champions competed against 14 teams and 130 students, and all 17 of Luverne’s team members received individual honors. Results by category are:
•Discussion: Burke Johnson, third; Makayla Oeschle, blue ribbon.
•Dramatic interpretation: Brianna Kinsinger, red ribbon.
•Extemporaneous Reading: Brooke Vos, red ribbon.
•Extemporaneous speaking: Parker Carbonneau, first; Chance Tunnissen, third; Zander Carbonneau, fourth.
•Great speeches: Riley Anderson, first; Nicole Arevalo, fifth.
•Humorous interpretation: Luke Thorson, first; Leigha Ehlers, red ribbon.
•Informative speaking: Jessika Tunnissen, fifth; Xavier McKenzie, red ribbon; Nardy Merida, red ribbon
•Original oratory: Ashlie Gonzalez, red ribbon.
•Poetry reading: Mia Wenzel, first; Alex Perkins, third.
Blue and red ribbons signify one and two places out of the medals respectively.
The next tournament is Saturday when Luverne serves as host.
Assistant speech coach Caroline Thorson said the teams were excited to be competing in person.
“We are also thrilled to be hosting in our newly renovated building and hold our awards ceremony in the performing arts center,” she said.
“We are proud of our updated facilities and know it will be a comfortable and inviting space in which to perform and compete.”