Speakers compete in state championship

Summerland speech team members competing in last Thursday's Class C2 state championship in Kearney finished the season by earning superior ratings.

Faith King finished ninth overall after preliminary rounds in informative speaking, with a presentation on nostalgia.

King received a total of 143 speaking points out of a possible 150. Judges ranked her third, sixth and first in preliminary round competition.

Olga Mendoza finished ninth overall after preliminary rounds in serious prose. She received 145 speaking points and was ranked third, second and sixth in preliminaries.

Adrienne Parker placed 10th overall after preliminary rounds in persuasive speaking, with 141 out of 150 speaking points. Judges ranked her sixth, second and third.

Coach Julie Harley said sometimes the die doesn't roll in one's favor.

The coach noted the sixth-place ratings "wiped us out."

"The rubric helps judges to make wise decisions in placement, but, in the end, other factors come into play - strength of round, a judge's preferred presentation/performance style, audience behavior," Harley said. "Speech is a lot like farming - when the conditions are right, a speaker can achieve a bumper crop and end up on the medal podium."

For King, state speech was "a whirlwind experience that left me with lifelong memories."

She, along with other Summerland seniors, was in Washington, D.C. for the annual Close-Up trip.

On Wednesday, King hopped on a jet and headed back Nebraska for speech competition.

"Exhaustion combined with pure happiness fueled me to be energized for my 8:30 a.m. round, even if I was fighting severe eye bags that made me similar to a zombie."

King believes her final round performance was "the best I have ever performed."

"Despite not making the state finals, I was not heartbroken or devastated over the loss, as I knew that I had performed to the best of my abilities. My skills have been cultivating to be the strong informer that won the district championship and punched a ticket to state. No tears were shed over heartbreak, but instead ones of happiness knowing that I gave it my all and represented my school and district with pride. I was not a failure, but instead an inspiration to younger members to not give up. Freshman year Faith never would have imagined that I would win districts, let alone be among the top 10 at state," King said.

Parker said it was inspiring to be around so many talented speakers during state competition.

"Throughout the entire day, I was approached by many other competitors who complimented my speech, and I also approached people to compliment their speech, as well. You would think that most people wouldn't want their competitors to do well, but it was a very welcoming atmosphere for the most part. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to represent myself and my school at state," she said.

All three "speechsters" competed in the extracurricular activity throughout high school.

King said the experience has taught her to never give up.

"Early mornings are extremely hard for the entirety of the season but make up for the tiredness when you can gain a medal at the end of the day. Hot glue gun burns, stress wrinkles and many long nights, will forever be a part of the person that I am today. Even if I didn't win many championships or bring home gold, I was able to learn what it meant to persevere and be a role model," she said.

Parker said of all extracurricular activities in which she has participated, speech has "been the one that I think has helped me the most.

"Speech teaches extremely valuable life skills that are not prevalent enough in normal high school curriculum. Public speaking is a vital skill that speech taught me. Speech gave me confidence that I will carry throughout the rest of my life," Parker said.

Through the activity, Parker said she made friendships that she would not have, if she hadn't participated in speech.

Parker emphasized again, "I cannot stress the impact that speech has made on my life enough."

King said the activity involves patience and perseverance.

Never to stop shooting for the stars.

"Freshman year, I barely placed, sophomore year was the same, junior year I gained momentum and placed at meets, and finally, senior year, I placed at all but one meet and swept the district championship. For any upcoming speech students, when times are hard and it looks like nothing is happening, remember that it took the Romans more than a year to build the Colosseum," King said.

According to Harley, speech, like farming, is a gamble.

"You had better love what you are doing or you are bound to be disappointed," the coach added.

Harley said she is proud of the work the three senior performers put in this year and their showing at state.

"I look forward to watching their continued growth as they head off to college in a few months," she said.