MHS speech succeeds at several levels

January 27, 2020 admin COMMUNITY 0

Montezuma came together as a community to host a district large group speech contest on Saturday, Jan. 25.

It involved hundreds of people.

“We had a great day with super volunteers!,” said Montezuma speech coach and contest coordinator Liesl Roorda. “Everything ran very smoothly and I think the students and spectators were the most respectful and quiet in performance areas I’ve ever seen.”

A tender piece, The Family Tree, was performed by this talented group. From left: Haley Roorda, Kailey Shaffer, Chloe Latcham, Tia Shaffer, Rebeka Teumer, Isaiah Singleton, Michael DeJong, Allyson Larmore, Ashlyn Huff and Elaina Singleton. They got a 1 rating and are state-bound. (Submitted).

“Montezuma did not disappoint in the performance areas or as host to one of the Iowa High Speech District Large Group contests,” Roorda said.

“Community members, students, parents and staff all helped out to give 22 schools a wonderful environment in which to perform and grow as communicators and team members,” she said.

“Montezuma’s first-time performers and veterans worked hard and entertained their audiences. Judges for the groups had great praises and critique to help each group continue to grow and reach new levels for the next competition.” Roorda said.

The musical theatre group Supercalifragilistic . . .was so much fun to watch. From left: Vocal Instructor Kaela Schuiteman, Lexi Ferneau, Brayden Stockman, Rachel Teumer, Rebeka Teumer, Ashlyn Huff, Tia Shaffer, Amanda Armstrong. They got a 1 rating are are state-bound. (Submitted).

That next level will be the state competition to be held at Cedar Rapids Washington High School on February 8.

At the state contest, schools from all over southeast Iowa, of all enrollment sizes, will compete in the same categories for a rating and possible nomination to the All State Festival held later in February on the Iowa State University campus.

Earning a 1 rating and moving on to state competition:

*Group Improvisation: Isaiah Singleton, Caymen DeJong

*Group Improvisation: Haley Roorda, Ally Gunderson, Jacob Facile, Lexi Ferneau

*Solo Mime, A Mouse in the House: Amanda Armstrong

*Choral Reading, The Family Tree: Michael DeJong, Isaiah Singleton, Chloe Latcham, Ashlynn Huff, Haley Roorda, Tia Shaffer, Kailey Shaffer, Allyson Larmore, Beka Teumer, Elaina Singleton

*Short Film, Wake Up Call:  Ben Mills

*Freshmen Choral Reading, When I Grow Up:  Abby Pope,  Aislyn Hutchcraft, Kalynn Wanders, Kayleigha Groendyk, Rayna Hammen

*Musical Theatre, Supercalifragilistic:  Rachel Teumer, Brayden Stockman, Ashlynn Huff, Lexi Ferneau, Tia Shaffer, Rebeka Teumer, Amanda Armstrong

This fun and sassy group performed an ensemble acting piece called, ‘He Loves Me’. They earned a rating of 2. Haley Van Der Hart, Kailey Shaffer and Allyson Larmore. (Submitted).

*Readers Theatre, Just Like Old Times: Chloe Latcham, Madelyn DeJong, Shelby Conger, Maddy McKeag, Waverly Roorda, Rachel Teumer

Earning a 2 rating:

Ensemble Acting, He Loves Me:  Kailey Shaffer, Haley Van Der Hart, Allyson Larmore

This improv group did not disappoint on the laughter and fun scale. They created an interesting story. Jacob Facile, Haley Roorda, Lexi Ferneau and Aly Gunderson. They got a 1 rating and are headed for state. (Submitted).
The five wonderful and courageous freshmen who performed ‘When I Grow Up’ in the choral reading category, earned a 1 rating and will compete at State Large Group on Feb. 8. Rayna Hammen, Kalynn Wanderson, Aislyn Hutchcraft, Kayleigha Groenendyk and Abby Pope. (Submitted).
A lot of attitude and sass along with great comedic timing from this senior group of ladies who performed a readers theatre piece called ‘Just Like Old Times’. They earned a 1 and will move on to state contest Feb. 8. Chloe Latcham, Shelby Conger, top, Waverly Roorda, seated, Rachel Teumer, top and Madelyn DeJong, seated. (Submitted).