Staff writer
Jay Dee Schafers and Justin Rahe were the top placers from among the 12 students Marion High School sent to the Class 3A state speech and drama competition May 5 at Wichita East High School, where 10 earned coveted ‘I’ ratings for their performances.
Students in the championship division performed three times in preliminary rounds competing for spots in the semifinals, and the highest-rated students advanced to the finals.
Schafers and Rahe took fourth place in improvised duet acting, behind duets from Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan, Lakin, and Sabetha.
Schafers also placed sixth in the prose reading competition.
No other MHS students placed in the top six in their events, but the overall strength of their performances led the team to finish 14th out of 43 schools entered in the event.
“I think they represented Marion High School well — they always do,” MHS forensics sponsor Janet Killough said. “I’m very proud of them.”
Students who earned I ratings in the championship division in addition to Schafers and Rahe included Andrew Kjellin, Caroline Collett, Isaac Baldwin, Ryan Nelson, Dylan Goebel, and Jennifer Fruechting. Amanda Stuchlik received a II.
In the festival division, Annie Whitaker and Andrea Nordquist were awarded I ratings, and Justin Terrel received a II.
“They did very well and worked very hard,” Killough said. “They learned a lot and can stand up in front of a group without losing stage presence and poise. They’re going to be good public speakers.”