In Kearney on March 16th, seven students represented Schuyler at State. Ben Lefdal (11), Elizabeth Harding (11), Piper Lefdal (11), Josue Fuentes (11), Janey Parra (12), Colin Gibbons (11), and Gina Alba (10) qualified for State. To be able to qualify for State, students had to place third or higher at Districts. At State, Colin Gibbons placed 3rd in Poetry, Elizabeth Harding placed 4th in Persuasive, Josue Fuentes and Janey Parra placed 4th in Duet Acting, and Ben Lefdal placed 6th in Humorous Prose.

“All the students were dedicated and put in a lot of hard work,” as assistant coach and Speech teacher, Chase King explained. According to Ben Lefdal, “Some nights, we would practice until 6:30 and most of the time, I’d put in around an hour of practice on a standard night.” Their success is also thanks to the coaches. As Ben stated, “Mrs. Gustafson, Mr. King, Ms. Pedersen, Mrs. Seigler, and Mr. Haug really made me into the actor I am.” Speech is an extracurricular many students are encouraged to join. Head Coach Melanie Gustafson states, “It’s so fun and unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.”