Fairmont Speech shows success in busy weekend

FAIRMONT — On Friday-Saturday, March 11-12, eight members of the Fairmont Speech Team participated in the NSDA National Speech & Debate Association Southern District National Qualifying Tournament in the Twin Cities.

Senior Kara Fischer took 4th place in dramatic interpretation and qualified for Nationals this summer, June 12-17, in Louisville, Ky. Senior Kara Fischer and freshman Selvin Forsythe took 6th place in duo interpretation and are third alternates to nationals. Senior Kaycie Brookens made it to the semifinal round of dramatic interpretation and Senior Eleanor Hamlet made it to the semifinal round of humorous interpretation. The Fairmont Speech Program has had recent success at Nationals going back 15 years.

On Saturday, March 12, those who were not continuing on in the semifinal round of the District Tournament, competed at the Eagan “Wildcat” Speech Tournament in Eagan, Minn. Freshman Dominick Lund-May took 4th place in international extemporaneous speaking consolation finals.

Also, on Saturday, March 12, 24 members of the Fairmont Speech Team competed at the St. Clair “Cyclone Spectacular” in St. Clair, Minn. In the varsity division, 8th grader Bel Lutterman took 2nd place in extemporaneous reading; 8th grader Isaiah Lockwood took 3rd place in great speeches; 8th grader Ella Krahmer took 6th place in Varsity Informative Speaking; Sophomore Abi Peyman took 3rd place in original oratory; and Senior Vanessa Schultze took 4th place in creative and 6th place in prose.

In the novice division, 8th grader Cheyenne Abel took 2nd place in informative speaking; 7th grader Norah Heille took 2nd place in prose; 8th grader Megan Wheeler took 2nd place in storytelling; and 7th grader Clark Hazard took 6th place in discussion.