High School

State qualifiers travel, succeed

By Ben Scarbrough

May 19, 2006

The state vocal, forensics and journalism students recently displayed their talents at state competitions.

Kate Taylor and Amanda Pfannenstiel were two students who recently received a "I" at state contest. Taylor sang "Come to the Fair" and "American Lullaby," and Pfannenstiel sang "Love has Eyes" and "This Little Rose."

Taylor picked her songs because they had some hidden meaning to them.

"Growing up in 4-H, I have always loved going to the fair, and I heard Jayme sing 'Come to the Fair' last year. Also, I think 'American Lullaby' is a beautiful song that depicts some parents' mentality that a nanny is just as good as a full-time parent. I felt a great sense of accomplishment because I never received a 'I' at state before," said Taylor.

Unlike Taylor, Pfannenstiel listened to McGough when choosing her songs.

"McGough said these songs would match my vocal tone and that I could really exceed in these two songs with hard work," said Pfannenstiel.

In addition to Taylor and Pfannenstiel, senior Alex Oyler, select choir, select choir women, and men's ensemble also received a "I" rating.

Tonya McGough, vocal instructor, was very pleased with her students this year, especially the seniors with their leadership.

"I feel really good about this year in the vocal music department. We had great leadership from the seniors, and the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors really improved. My biggest goal for next year is to keep building the musical abilities of the younger students in order for them to be able to step up and fill the void left by the talented seniors of 2006," said McGough.

Vocal students were very successful this year but so was the forensics team. This year's forensics team exceeded the expectations of Gail Naylor, coach.

"We're only losing three seniors this year, so while we're young and inexperienced this year, we're hoping that our hard work will pay off next year. We had a very exciting finish at state with six choices on the entry, with two of them medaling in finals, so we're hopeful this kind of tough competition and varsity-level experience will bolster our performance next year," said Naylor.

Josh Ruby, senior novice, was one of those seniors who performed well.

"Since it was my first and last time to go to state, I felt honored and a little sad that I will never get the opportunity again," said Ruby.

Ruby performed in original oration.

"I talked about how heroes are being overlooked in our society today," said Ruby.

The students who placed in forensics were junior Jayme Lindstrom/sophomore Brian Lampe, semifinalists in duet acting; junior Emy Ladner/sophomore Marshall Wetta, semifinalists in duet acting; junior Nick Miller, who took second in extemporaneous speaking and third in oratory; junior Christina Carter, who took sixth in extemporaneous speaking; senior Alex Oyler, who was a semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking; Lampe, who took second in informative speaking; junior Rachael Bennett, who took sixth in serious solo acting; and freshman Trent Strunk, who took third in Lincoln/Douglas debate.

Senior Colin Wilstead was the only student to clinch a state championship in Lincoln/Douglas debate.

Six journalists placed at state competition, and as a team they placed third in sweepstakes. The students who placed at state were senior Val Roberson, who placed third in yearbook copy writing; junior Caitlin Grant, who took honorable mention in theme development and graphics; senior Jenni Holmer who took honorable mention in yearbook sports writing; and sophomores Austin Roberson, Bradley Bahret, and Eddie Avila who took second in broadcast.

Jamie Manhart, journalism instructor, is already looking to next year.

"I always hope that all of my students will place at state simply because they work so hard and they all deserve to be recognized. However, I was satisfied with our third place finish as a team. Our goal now is to take second next year," said Manhart.

Roberson, a four-year journalist, was quite satisfied with her third place finish at state simply because it shows all of her accomplishments throughout this year.

"I was happy I placed third at state because it made me realize that all of my hard work in the journalism field has paid off. This was my last opportunity to participate in the state journalism competition, and I am satisfied with my performance," said Roberson.