Seven Hudson Students Earn Trip to State Speech Contest

Soo Line by Soo Greiman  

It’s not just athletic ability that qualifies high school students to move on to higher levels of competition. Take a look at the Iowa High School Speech Association contests, where  students whose voices and communication skills shine receive high ratings and advance to the  next level.  

That was the case Feb. 28 at Postville High School, where the Northeast Iowa District Individual Speech Contest was held. Seven Hudson students earned Division I ratings, allowing  them to advance to the state contest.  

Those students are Justin Gavigan, Natalie Rodriguez, Clare Wetzel, Bridget Hansen, Caitlyn Poppe, Brinkley Simmer and Emma Sido.  

They will compete Saturday, March 14, at the Iowa High School Individual State Speech  Contest at Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi, one of four statewide contest sites.  The path to state competition is challenging, but the road to All-State recognition is  even more competitive. At the state level, students who receive a Division I rating and are  nominated by judges move on to perform at the prestigious All-State Festival.  “Everyone hopes they’ll receive an All-State nomination,” said veteran performer Bridget Hansen.  

The seven Hudson students will compete across several categories. Three will perform  in Musical Theatre, three in Poetry, one in Prose, and one in Storytelling.  Hansen said speech contests involve far more than simply delivering speeches.  “It’s a common misconception that speech is just speeches,” she said. “High school  speech involves singing musical theatre, reciting poetry, storytelling, improvisation and many  other events that allow participants to show who they truly are.”  

Speech is also entirely extracurricular, requiring hours of preparation outside the  classroom. Students credited their success to Hudson speech coach Mitchell Stover, assisted  by teacher Ms. Vaughn.  

The Hudson Herald spoke with several members of the team about their performances  and what they enjoy most about the activity.  

Bridget Hansen  

Seventeen-year-old Bridget Hansen, daughter of Blair and Suzi Hansen, began speech  her freshman year after speaking with coach Stover.  

“I love acting and being in shows,” Hansen said.  

Now a senior, she has participated all four years of high school. This year she is  competing in the Storytelling category.  

According to Iowa High School Speech Association guidelines, storytelling involves  presenting a memorized short story using facial and body expression while seated on a stool,  as if telling the story directly to an audience. Performances may last up to five minutes.  

“Participating in speech takes a lot more courage and dedication than what meets the  eye,” Hansen said. “It takes confidence and a willingness to work hard. Being in speech  teaches you professionalism and a work ethic that carries into the future.”  

Caitlyn Poppe  

Caitlyn Poppe, a three-year speech participant, earned a Division I rating in Individual  Musical Theatre with the song “Journey to the Past.” 

She previously participated in Readers Theatre and Large Group Musical Theatre during  the large group speech season.  

Poppe said her older sister, Natalie, inspired her to get involved.  

“I watched her compete and have so much fun,” she said.  

Poppe also credits her mother and coach Stover as important influences.  “My mom is my role model because she’s hardworking and kind,” she said. “Mr. Stover  works incredibly hard to help us grow and improve.”  

She expects the state contest to feel similar to districts — with one major difference.  “At districts there was one judge,” Poppe said. “At state there are three. We’ve all  worked really hard, and our director has pushed us to reach our full potential.”  

Brinkley Simmer  

Seventeen-year-old Brinkley Simmer, daughter of Paul and Erin Simmer, will compete in  Solo Musical Theatre.  

In this category, performers present a memorized musical theatre selection using only  one chair as a prop. Performances may last up to five minutes.  

Simmer said speech allows her to continue performing after the school musical ends.  “Once the musical is over in the fall, speech is a great way to keep performing  throughout the school year,” she said.  

At the district contest she performed the song “What Happens,” which she will present  again at state.  

She said the variety of speech events allows students to explore many different talents.  “There are so many categories to try. It teaches skills and lessons that anyone can learn  and grow from.”  

Emma Sido  

Senior Emma Sido, daughter of Generze and Marckenson Sido, is competing in the  Prose category.  

A four-year participant in speech, Sido said her motivation comes from her love of  public speaking and sharing information with audiences.  

She credits her parents as her biggest role models.  

“They’ve shown me how to treat people with respect while earning respect in return,”  she said.  

Sido hopes to become a neurosurgeon, and believes speech will help her in that career.  “In brain surgery, patients sometimes need to remain awake,” she said. “The speaking  skills I’m developing now will help me communicate clearly and calmly with people.”  

Justin Gavigan  

Senior Justin Gavigan, son of Joel and Laura Gavigan, will compete in the Poetry  category at the state contest.  

He has previously participated in speech and is looking forward to performing again at  the state level.  

Clare Wetzel  

Senior Clare Wetzel, daughter of Lisa and Nate Wetzel, distinguished herself by earning  Division I ratings in two events at districts — Poetry and Musical Theatre.  Her musical theatre performance features the piece “Cabaret,” while her poetry  selection is an original work she wrote about her grandmother.  

“She loves it,” Wetzel said of her grandmother’s reaction to the piece.  

Natalie Rodriguez  

Freshman Natalie Rodriguez, 14, daughter of Sandra and Jesus Rodriguez, is  competing in the Poetry category with a piece titled “The Lost Skate.” 

Her mother also participated in speech while in high school.  

In poetry and prose events, students interpret literary works through expression and  interpretation. Performances may last up to six minutes and may use a script.  Rodriguez credits both her parents and her coaches as role models.  

“Mr. Stover challenges us to improve and helps us perform with confidence,” she said.  “Ms. Vaughn helped me revise my work and strengthen my poetry. She truly cares about her  students.”  

The biggest challenge?  

“The adrenaline rush right before going on stage,” Rodriguez said. “But I’ve learned it  actually helps me focus and put more emotion into my performance.”  

Despite the nerves, she said speech has been a rewarding experience.  

“I’m proud of stepping outside my comfort zone and making it to State in my first year.”