MASQ Tournament 2020
The Speech team season came to a screeching halt in the middle of March, so we thought. The team began their Saturday competitions in January and was less than three weeks away from competing in the section tournament when the Minnesota State High School League canceled the remaining portion of our season. Our speechies had polished performances and nowhere to speak until the MSHSL gave teams permission to enter into virtual tournaments. Yes, virtual tournaments. A new way to compete was on the horizon. Luckily, speech can go on even during stay-at-home orders. As the head speech coach, I knew that we had to look into these tournaments for our speakers. We needed to give it our all, one last time.
The MASQ (Making Arts while Socially Quarantined) Tournament was sponsored by The Perfect Performance and NIETOC (National Individual Events Tournament of Champions). This High School only tournament was held May 13-17 all on-line. There were 664 competitors from 186 teams across the nation participating.
Since this tournament had limited competing categories, three members of the Dassel-Cokato Speech Team competed in this first ever virtual speech tournament. They were Erikka Langemo, Dylan Tessmer, and Jubal Nelson . They recorded one speech, and it was entered into each of the rounds.
It was great for the team to have the excitement over these last few days to read critiques and wait on scores again. Jubal Nelson competed in his secondary category of humor and did well in the prelims, but it was not enough to advance. Erikka Langemo competed in drama and missed advancing into quarterfinals by one point.
Dylan Tessmer wowed his judges with his original oratory all the way from prelims, to quarterfinals, to semifinals. There were 166 competitors in the original oratory category. Dylan placed 13th overall which was announced Sunday evening during the on-line awards ceremony. Tessmer said, “It was very fun to be able have another opportunity to give my speech again and to compete with other speechies across the nation.”
Coming up next for the Dassel-Cokato Speech Team is for Erikka Langemo to compete in a virtual Senior Only Tournament through the National Speech and Debate Association at the end of May. Go Charger Speech.
Wright County Conference 2020
Congratulations to Caroline Cronk who is the Wright County Conference Champion in Extemporaneous Reading. The Speech Tournament was held Thursday, February 27th at New Prague High School.
Congratulations to Caroline Cronk who is the Wright County Conference Champion in Extemporaneous Reading. The Speech Tournament was held Thursday, February 27th at New Prague High School.
Charger Home Meet 2020
Congratulations to Caroline Cronk who placed 3rd in extemporaneous reading and Dylan Tessmer who placed 2nd in both poetry and original oratory last Saturday at the Home Meet.
Congratulations to Caroline Cronk who placed 3rd in extemporaneous reading and Dylan Tessmer who placed 2nd in both poetry and original oratory last Saturday at the Home Meet.
Harvard 2020
Congratulations to Dylan Tessmer for breaking into double octofinals at the Harvard Tournament in the category of Original Oratory.
Congratulations to Dylan Tessmer for breaking into double octofinals at the Harvard Tournament in the category of Original Oratory.
STMA 2020
Congratulations to Noah Jarosz and Conner Tuman for placing 5th in duo last Saturday at the St. Michael-Albertville Speech Tournament along with Dylan Tessmer earned 4th place in original oratory.
Congratulations to Noah Jarosz and Conner Tuman for placing 5th in duo last Saturday at the St. Michael-Albertville Speech Tournament along with Dylan Tessmer earned 4th place in original oratory.
Champlin Park 2020
The Speech Team Traveled to Champlin Park last Saturday and the top competitors for the team were: Conner Tuman and Noah Jarosz who placed 3rd in duo, Abby Carpenter placing 3rd in drama and Erikka Langemo who earned 2nd place in the category of drama.
The Speech Team Traveled to Champlin Park last Saturday and the top competitors for the team were: Conner Tuman and Noah Jarosz who placed 3rd in duo, Abby Carpenter placing 3rd in drama and Erikka Langemo who earned 2nd place in the category of drama.
Andover 2020
Chargers Compete in Andover
The Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover High School for their first tournament of the season. The team prepared the first part of the season writing, researching, reading, and now performing. The DC team were missing competitors that were performing with the One Act, but still prevailed. There were 26 schools with nearly 400 competitors last Saturday at the tournament.
Dassel-Cokato had two competitors advance to the final round. Abby Carpenter and Anikka Soderlund both advanced in the category of drama. Carpenter placed 7th and Soderlund placed 6th, respectfully.
Students making their varsity speech debut at this tournament were: Emmaly Aase, Evan Amundson, Eli Densmore, Maria Limanen, Isaiah Pererva, Izzy Wagner, and Anika Walkes.
Chargers Compete in Andover
The Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover High School for their first tournament of the season. The team prepared the first part of the season writing, researching, reading, and now performing. The DC team were missing competitors that were performing with the One Act, but still prevailed. There were 26 schools with nearly 400 competitors last Saturday at the tournament.
Dassel-Cokato had two competitors advance to the final round. Abby Carpenter and Anikka Soderlund both advanced in the category of drama. Carpenter placed 7th and Soderlund placed 6th, respectfully.
Students making their varsity speech debut at this tournament were: Emmaly Aase, Evan Amundson, Eli Densmore, Maria Limanen, Isaiah Pererva, Izzy Wagner, and Anika Walkes.
5AA Sections 2019!
The Section 5AA Speech Tournament was held at Rogers High School last night. DC speech placed an impressive 2nd place behind Wayzata. Other schools in the section include Andover, Maple Grove, Blaine, Rogers, Park Center, Champlin-Park, St. Michael-Albertville, Anoka, Robbinsdale-Cooper, Robbinsdale-Armstrong, Coon Rapids, and Osseo. There were 235 competitors.
Dassel- Cokato had one speaker who narrowly missed advancing to the section final round; seventh grader Isabelle Densmore placed seventh in the storytelling.
Eleven Dassel-Cokato Speechies were in good standings heading into finals. The top six speakers in each category advance into the final round. The scores of the three preliminary rounds of competition determined who would break into finals. Breaking into finals is a huge success for any speakers, especially when some categories that have over thirty competitors. The section final round ranks determine who will advance to the Class AA State Tournament. The top three finishers in each category advance to the State Tournament.
Our finalists were:
6th place: Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling)
6th place: Evette Johnson (humorous)
6th place: Abby Carpenter (drama)
5th place: Caroline Cronk (extemp. reading)
5th place: Carrie Nelson (humorous)
4th place: Tait Jerde (great speeches)
The following students advanced to the Class AA State Tournament.
2nd place: Jubal Nelson (storytelling)
2nd place: Katrina Thinesen (discussion)
2nd place: Dylan Tessmer (informative)
1st place: Erikka Langemo (drama)
1st place: Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
It is impressive to to have anyone advance to the state tournament, especially in this competitive MSHSL section, but to have five from Dassel-Cokato is remarkable. This has been a great season for Dassel-Cokato! Please congratulate these students on a successful speech season! Full article will be posted on our website and in the newspaper.
Go Charger Speech!
Home Tournament
March 16th 2019
Teams: 19 Competitors: 285
First Year Speechie Awards:
Isabelle Densmore
Austin Jarosz
Noah Pererva
Layla Erickson
Lucy Carpenter
Conner Tuman
Jessica Workman
Austyn Steinhaus
Reid Wilson
Senior Certificates:
Abbie Stertz
Carrie Nelson
Brynn Olsen
Katrina Thinesen
Gannon Miller
Trystan Horstman
Charger Award Winner: Noah Pederson
Next-in Finalists:
5th place- Emmanuel Johnson- Humorous
4th place- Annika Soderlund- Drama
3rd place- Reid Wilson- Humorous
2nd place- Abby Carpenter- Drama
Finalists:
7th place- Gannon Miller- Creative
7th place- Tait Jerde- Great Speeches
7th place- Carmen Reese- Extemp. Reading
7th place- Evette Johnson- Humorous
5th place- Abbie Stertz- Great Speeches
5th place- Erikka Langemo- Drama
4th place- Caroline Cronk- Extemp. Reading
4th place- Carrie Nelson- Humorous
3rd place- Coner Tuman & Noah Jarosz- Duo
2nd place- Dylan Tessmer- Informative
2nd place- Jubal Nelson- Storytelling
March 16th 2019
Teams: 19 Competitors: 285
First Year Speechie Awards:
Isabelle Densmore
Austin Jarosz
Noah Pererva
Layla Erickson
Lucy Carpenter
Conner Tuman
Jessica Workman
Austyn Steinhaus
Reid Wilson
Senior Certificates:
Abbie Stertz
Carrie Nelson
Brynn Olsen
Katrina Thinesen
Gannon Miller
Trystan Horstman
Charger Award Winner: Noah Pederson
Next-in Finalists:
5th place- Emmanuel Johnson- Humorous
4th place- Annika Soderlund- Drama
3rd place- Reid Wilson- Humorous
2nd place- Abby Carpenter- Drama
Finalists:
7th place- Gannon Miller- Creative
7th place- Tait Jerde- Great Speeches
7th place- Carmen Reese- Extemp. Reading
7th place- Evette Johnson- Humorous
5th place- Abbie Stertz- Great Speeches
5th place- Erikka Langemo- Drama
4th place- Caroline Cronk- Extemp. Reading
4th place- Carrie Nelson- Humorous
3rd place- Coner Tuman & Noah Jarosz- Duo
2nd place- Dylan Tessmer- Informative
2nd place- Jubal Nelson- Storytelling
Speech Team- Two Tournament Champions
On Saturday, March 2nd the DC Charger Speech Team traveled to Fridley High School for the 18th Annual Fridley Invitational. This was the Chargers’ third tournament in eight days and they were ready for a great tournament. There were 21 teams and over 320 competitors at the tournament. The Chargers placed fifth out of twenty-one teams.
This tournament is known as the baked potato tournament, because they give their honorable mention competitors a baked potato in lieu of a ribbon or certificate. Our honorable mention baked potato recipients were: Tait Jerde in great speeches, Austin Jarosz in drama, Noah Jarosz & Conner Tuman in duo, and Brynn Olsen in extemporaneous reading.
Senior Katrina Thinesen placed 7th in discussion. Caroline Cronk placed 6th in extemporaneous reading. Audrey Weckwerth placed 4th in storytelling. Carrie Nelson placed 3rd in humorous.
Dassel-Cokato had three competitors who placed second in their respective categories: Abbie Stertz in great speeches and Jubal Nelson in storytelling. Dassel-Cokato placed first and second in the category of drama with Erikka Langemo placing 1st and Abby Carpenter placing second. Freshman Dylan Tessmer became the tournament champion in the category of informative.
The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team is preparing for an invitational tournament they host on March 16th.
On Saturday, March 2nd the DC Charger Speech Team traveled to Fridley High School for the 18th Annual Fridley Invitational. This was the Chargers’ third tournament in eight days and they were ready for a great tournament. There were 21 teams and over 320 competitors at the tournament. The Chargers placed fifth out of twenty-one teams.
This tournament is known as the baked potato tournament, because they give their honorable mention competitors a baked potato in lieu of a ribbon or certificate. Our honorable mention baked potato recipients were: Tait Jerde in great speeches, Austin Jarosz in drama, Noah Jarosz & Conner Tuman in duo, and Brynn Olsen in extemporaneous reading.
Senior Katrina Thinesen placed 7th in discussion. Caroline Cronk placed 6th in extemporaneous reading. Audrey Weckwerth placed 4th in storytelling. Carrie Nelson placed 3rd in humorous.
Dassel-Cokato had three competitors who placed second in their respective categories: Abbie Stertz in great speeches and Jubal Nelson in storytelling. Dassel-Cokato placed first and second in the category of drama with Erikka Langemo placing 1st and Abby Carpenter placing second. Freshman Dylan Tessmer became the tournament champion in the category of informative.
The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team is preparing for an invitational tournament they host on March 16th.
Chargers Take 3rd at WCC
On February 28th, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference
meet at Litchfield High School. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned third place behind Orono and Mound-Westonka. There were over 220 students competing.
DC had thirteen entries earn top honors. Earning 7th place honors were: Annika Soderland (drama), Isabelle Densmore (storytelling), Abbie Stertz (great speeches), and Gannon Miller (creative). Our 6th place winners at the Wright County Conference Tournament were: Jubal Nelson (storytelling), Erikka Langemo (drama), Emmanuel Johnson (humorous).
Our 4th place recipients include: Conner Tumna & Noah Jarosz (duo), and Katrina Thinesen (discussion). Junior Abby Carpenter earned 3rd place in drama.
Dassel-Cokato did not have any conference champions, but had three competitors who placed second: Caroline Cronk (extemporaneous reading), Carrie Nelson (humorous), and Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling).
On February 28th, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference
meet at Litchfield High School. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned third place behind Orono and Mound-Westonka. There were over 220 students competing.
DC had thirteen entries earn top honors. Earning 7th place honors were: Annika Soderland (drama), Isabelle Densmore (storytelling), Abbie Stertz (great speeches), and Gannon Miller (creative). Our 6th place winners at the Wright County Conference Tournament were: Jubal Nelson (storytelling), Erikka Langemo (drama), Emmanuel Johnson (humorous).
Our 4th place recipients include: Conner Tumna & Noah Jarosz (duo), and Katrina Thinesen (discussion). Junior Abby Carpenter earned 3rd place in drama.
Dassel-Cokato did not have any conference champions, but had three competitors who placed second: Caroline Cronk (extemporaneous reading), Carrie Nelson (humorous), and Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling).
Chargers Take Fourth
On a snowy Saturday morning, the Dassel-Cokato Chargers stayed close to home and traveled to Maple Lake High School. There were eighteen teams and two hundred sixty competitors. This was a good tournament for the Chargers to see their Wright County Conference Competition before the WCC tournament next Thursday. As a team, the Chargers placed fourth behind Maple Lake, Annandale, and New London-Spicer.
Because of the size of this tournament, there were no honor finals or honorable mentions. This tournament also did not have a final round. Eighth grader Noah Pererva narrowly missed earning top honors by placing 9th in Original Oratory. Also, one place out was seventh grader, Isabelle Densmore, who placed 9th in Storytelling.
These are the competitors who placed in the top eight in their respective categories. Storytelling was strong category for the Chargers with Jessica Workman earning 8th, Jubal Nelson taking 4th and Audrey Weckwerth who earned a impressive 2nd place. The Chargers had two finalists in drama, Erikka Langemo who placed 7th and Abby Carpenter who earned 5th. In Great Speeches, Tait Jerde placed 7th and Abbie Stertz earned 4th place. Noah Pederson placed 5th in extemporaneous speaking. Caroline Cronk placed 7th in extemporaneous reading.
Storytellers, Jubal Nelson and Audrey Weckwerth both earned a 1-100, a perfect speech score at the Maple Lake Tournament.
On a snowy Saturday morning, the Dassel-Cokato Chargers stayed close to home and traveled to Maple Lake High School. There were eighteen teams and two hundred sixty competitors. This was a good tournament for the Chargers to see their Wright County Conference Competition before the WCC tournament next Thursday. As a team, the Chargers placed fourth behind Maple Lake, Annandale, and New London-Spicer.
Because of the size of this tournament, there were no honor finals or honorable mentions. This tournament also did not have a final round. Eighth grader Noah Pererva narrowly missed earning top honors by placing 9th in Original Oratory. Also, one place out was seventh grader, Isabelle Densmore, who placed 9th in Storytelling.
These are the competitors who placed in the top eight in their respective categories. Storytelling was strong category for the Chargers with Jessica Workman earning 8th, Jubal Nelson taking 4th and Audrey Weckwerth who earned a impressive 2nd place. The Chargers had two finalists in drama, Erikka Langemo who placed 7th and Abby Carpenter who earned 5th. In Great Speeches, Tait Jerde placed 7th and Abbie Stertz earned 4th place. Noah Pederson placed 5th in extemporaneous speaking. Caroline Cronk placed 7th in extemporaneous reading.
Storytellers, Jubal Nelson and Audrey Weckwerth both earned a 1-100, a perfect speech score at the Maple Lake Tournament.
The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team traveled to St. Michael-Albertville on Saturday, February 9th. There were twenty nine teams and nearly six hundred twenty competitors who competed at this tournament. At a meet this size, it is extremely difficult to break in to a final round. At this tournament, there were teams within the Wright County Conference and Section 5AA Schools that we will be competing against later in the season.
Dassel-Cokato had five speechies who nearly missed breaking into finals, but earned honorable mention ribbons. These speechies included Britanie Borg in great speeches, Evette Johnson in humorous, Abby Carpenter in drama, and Carmen Reese and Caroline Cronk in extemporaneous reading.
The STMA tournament had two levels of finals. Our honor finalists who were not in the top seven speakers after the three preliminary rounds included: Annika Soderlund who placed 3rd in drama, Austyn Steinhaus who placed 5th in extemporaneous reading, Abbie Stertz who placed 2nd in great speeches, and Dylan Tessmer who placed 1st in informative. Dassel-Cokato had two finalists in the humorous honor final. Reid Wilson placed 7th and Carrie Nelson placed 6th, respectively.
Dassel- Cokato had two finalists who earned spots in the top of their category at the tournament. Erikka Langemo placed 7th in drama and Jubal Nelson placed 6th in storytelling.
Dassel-Cokato had five speechies who nearly missed breaking into finals, but earned honorable mention ribbons. These speechies included Britanie Borg in great speeches, Evette Johnson in humorous, Abby Carpenter in drama, and Carmen Reese and Caroline Cronk in extemporaneous reading.
The STMA tournament had two levels of finals. Our honor finalists who were not in the top seven speakers after the three preliminary rounds included: Annika Soderlund who placed 3rd in drama, Austyn Steinhaus who placed 5th in extemporaneous reading, Abbie Stertz who placed 2nd in great speeches, and Dylan Tessmer who placed 1st in informative. Dassel-Cokato had two finalists in the humorous honor final. Reid Wilson placed 7th and Carrie Nelson placed 6th, respectively.
Dassel- Cokato had two finalists who earned spots in the top of their category at the tournament. Erikka Langemo placed 7th in drama and Jubal Nelson placed 6th in storytelling.
Duluth 2019!
The Dassel-Cokato Chargers traveled north to compete at the 58th Annual Denfeld Rotary Speech Tournament in Duluth. This was an overnight trip for the team with great opportunities for team bonding. There were twenty five teams competing at the Duluth-Denfeld tournament on Saturday, February 2nd. This tournament offered a mixture of A and AA speech programs. There were 525 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had two entries that were short of advancing into a final round. They were Gannon Miller in creative and Noah Jarosz and Conner Tuman in Duo. Gannon, Noah and Conner each earned a red ribbon.
There were two groupings for finals at this tournament, due to the size. The next-in finalists were those who ranked 8-15 after their three preliminary rounds. These speechies included. Senior Katrina Thinesen who placed 4th in Discussion. Abby Carpenter who placed 7th in Drama. Tait Jerde who placed 7th in Great Speeches and Carrie Nelson who placed 5th in Humorous. Dassel-Cokato had three next-in finalist in extemporaneous reading. A category where the team has thrived in the last few years. Austyn Steinhaus placed 7th, Carmen Reese placed 5th and Brynn Olson placed 1st.
Dassel-Cokato had two finalists. Abbie Stertz who placed 6th in Great Speeches and Dylan Tessmer who placed 4th in informative.
This tournament also recognized our seniors speechies for the commitment and leadership on our teams. The Dassel-Cokato Speech Seniors include: Carrie Nelson, Brynn Olson, Abbie Stertz, Katrina Thinesen, Trystan Horstman and Gannon Miller.
The Dassel-Cokato Chargers traveled north to compete at the 58th Annual Denfeld Rotary Speech Tournament in Duluth. This was an overnight trip for the team with great opportunities for team bonding. There were twenty five teams competing at the Duluth-Denfeld tournament on Saturday, February 2nd. This tournament offered a mixture of A and AA speech programs. There were 525 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had two entries that were short of advancing into a final round. They were Gannon Miller in creative and Noah Jarosz and Conner Tuman in Duo. Gannon, Noah and Conner each earned a red ribbon.
There were two groupings for finals at this tournament, due to the size. The next-in finalists were those who ranked 8-15 after their three preliminary rounds. These speechies included. Senior Katrina Thinesen who placed 4th in Discussion. Abby Carpenter who placed 7th in Drama. Tait Jerde who placed 7th in Great Speeches and Carrie Nelson who placed 5th in Humorous. Dassel-Cokato had three next-in finalist in extemporaneous reading. A category where the team has thrived in the last few years. Austyn Steinhaus placed 7th, Carmen Reese placed 5th and Brynn Olson placed 1st.
Dassel-Cokato had two finalists. Abbie Stertz who placed 6th in Great Speeches and Dylan Tessmer who placed 4th in informative.
This tournament also recognized our seniors speechies for the commitment and leadership on our teams. The Dassel-Cokato Speech Seniors include: Carrie Nelson, Brynn Olson, Abbie Stertz, Katrina Thinesen, Trystan Horstman and Gannon Miller.
Chargers Compete in Andover
Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover for their second tournament of the season the end of January. The first part of the season writing, researching, reading and now performing. This tournament is important for the team to see their Section 5AA team competitors that we will face again in March. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team, but still prevailed. There were 30 schools with nearly 400 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions: Carmen Reese in Extemporaneous Reading, Reid Wilson in Humorous, and Jessica Workman in Storytelling.
Dassel-Cokato had four competitors advance to the finals round at the Andover Tournament. Audrey Weckwerth returning to storytelling placed 7th. Dassel-Cokato had two finalists in the category of Drama. Annika Soderlund placed 7th and Abby Carpenter placed 6th. Senior Captain Abbie Stertz placed 4th in Great Speeches.
Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover for their second tournament of the season the end of January. The first part of the season writing, researching, reading and now performing. This tournament is important for the team to see their Section 5AA team competitors that we will face again in March. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team, but still prevailed. There were 30 schools with nearly 400 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions: Carmen Reese in Extemporaneous Reading, Reid Wilson in Humorous, and Jessica Workman in Storytelling.
Dassel-Cokato had four competitors advance to the finals round at the Andover Tournament. Audrey Weckwerth returning to storytelling placed 7th. Dassel-Cokato had two finalists in the category of Drama. Annika Soderlund placed 7th and Abby Carpenter placed 6th. Senior Captain Abbie Stertz placed 4th in Great Speeches.
The Odyssey - Mound-WestonkaThe Charger Speech Team had their first varsity tournament of the season on Saturday, January 19th in Mound-Westonka High School. There were fourteen teams competing at this tournament which included: Eden Prairie, Prior Lake, Wayzata and Marshall. In addition to these school, Mound-Westonka and Orono who are in our Wright County Conference. The Chargers placed 3rd in the Small School Division. There are 430 competitors at this tournament looking for their spot in the final round.
Dassel-Cokato had six varsity students who earned an honorable mention by having good scores, but not enough to advance into finals. These competitors included: Audrey Weckwerth in Storytelling, Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches, Caroline Cronk in Extemp. Reading, Brynn Olsen in Extemp Reading, Abby Carpenter In Drama, and Bailey Gatz in Prose.
Since it is the first tournament of the season, the tournament focused on novice competitors. “This tournament gave our novice (first time speechies) a great boost to start of the season by offering a novice final around”, Head Coach Beth Steinleitner stated. Dassel-Cokato had four students advance into a novice final round. Freshman speakers Norah Jarosz and Conner Tuman took 1st in Novice Duo. Jessica Workman placed 7th in Novice Storytelling and Reid Wilson placed 7th in Humor.
Dassel-Cokato Speech Team had three competitors advance into the varsity final round at the Mound- Westonka tournament. Annika Soderlund placed 5th in Drama, Carrie Nelson placed 5th in Humorous and sophomore Jubal Nelson placed 4th in Storytelling.
The team will be heading to Andover on Saturday, January 26th for their next tournament.
Dassel-Cokato had six varsity students who earned an honorable mention by having good scores, but not enough to advance into finals. These competitors included: Audrey Weckwerth in Storytelling, Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches, Caroline Cronk in Extemp. Reading, Brynn Olsen in Extemp Reading, Abby Carpenter In Drama, and Bailey Gatz in Prose.
Since it is the first tournament of the season, the tournament focused on novice competitors. “This tournament gave our novice (first time speechies) a great boost to start of the season by offering a novice final around”, Head Coach Beth Steinleitner stated. Dassel-Cokato had four students advance into a novice final round. Freshman speakers Norah Jarosz and Conner Tuman took 1st in Novice Duo. Jessica Workman placed 7th in Novice Storytelling and Reid Wilson placed 7th in Humor.
Dassel-Cokato Speech Team had three competitors advance into the varsity final round at the Mound- Westonka tournament. Annika Soderlund placed 5th in Drama, Carrie Nelson placed 5th in Humorous and sophomore Jubal Nelson placed 4th in Storytelling.
The team will be heading to Andover on Saturday, January 26th for their next tournament.
Middle School HLWW Meet
Middle School Monticello Meet
2018 Speech Fundraiser
Speech Parent Outing
Here is a recap of what we went over on Saturday, at our 1st Speech Parent Outing.
Thank you to all who were able to make it!
Question & Answer Time
Booster Information
Additional Information
Thank you to all who were able to make it!
Question & Answer Time
- What is Middle School/Junior High Speech? Do students have to pick one or another or do they do both?
- Middle School Students (grades 7-8) are considered Junior High Speechies.
- The Middle School Season runs December - the beginning of February, with a total of 5 Junior High Meets.
- MS Students are able to choose to do only JH or both JH and Varsity Speech.
- What type of Communication do you use?
- 2 ways we communciate information: Emails and our website.
- Are Middle School Students allowed to attend the overnight trip to Duluth?]
- Yes, if they are participating in Varsity Speech.
- What is the dress code for Speech Meets?
- Dress code is explained on our Resources Page/Frequently Asked Questions.
- What is Harvard?
- The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team has been competing at the Harvard Forensic Tournament since the mid 80’s. It is a honor and a tradition that this team upholds. When the DC Speech Team competes at Harvard, we compete against the top schools in the nation. The DC Speech Teams have always prided themselves with integrity and show commitment to the serious competition.
- Students must have at least 1 year of varsity speech experience in order to go to Harvard.
- The Harvard Trip is every other year. The next time we would attend would be the 2019-2020 school year.
- Do we have enough judges?
- At the moment, Charger Speech does have enough judges in our judging pool.
- If someone is interested in becoming a judge, they should check out the MSHSL site.
Booster Information
- Any parent of a speechie, is a Speech Booster!
- Booster Executive Board is looking for new volunteers to be on the board.
- Please contact Amanda Zeidler, if you are interested in helping out.
Additional Information
- Speech T-shirts have been ordered. Delivery should be sometime the week of December 12th.
- T-shirts are $13. Payable to DC Speech Boosters.
- If a student did not order a shirt, please see Jennie. A few extras were ordered.
- Fundraising Event Saturday, December 15th, at the St. Cloud Barnes and Noble.
- Vouchers
- Speechie Flyer
- Vouchers can be used at ANY Barnes & Noble.
- Home Meets
- Info will be sent out closer to the Home Meets, but please keep it on your radar...we need parent help with home meets!
- Info will be sent out closer to the Home Meets, but please keep it on your radar...we need parent help with home meets!
Eligibility Night Info
National Speech & Debate Day!
Congratulations to our 2018 State Competitors!
Miranda Pokornowski (Humorous Interpretation)
Kailee Johnson (Extemporaneous Reading - Poetry)
Sara Cronk (Extemporaneous Reading - Prose)
Jubal Nelson (Storytelling)
Kailee Johnson (Extemporaneous Reading - Poetry)
Sara Cronk (Extemporaneous Reading - Prose)
Jubal Nelson (Storytelling)
State Speech Tournament!
Johnson 7th, Cronk 5th at State Speech Tournament
Four D-C Charger speechies earned the honor to represent our school at the Class AA speech tournament Friday, April 20, 2018, at Apple Valley High School. Sixty-five of the 109 schools in Class AA statewide were represented. Dassel-Cokato was one of the smallest schools that competed at the AA tournament. There are eight sections in AA, and D-C is proud to be from 5AA.
With rooms filled with family members, coaches and friends, the D-C spectators cheered and supported our state participants: Kailee Johnson, Sara Cronk, Miranda Pokornowski and Jubal Nelson. They were among the top 24 speakers in their respective categories.
Jubal Nelson, a freshman, competed at the state tournament for the first time in his speech career. Nelson competed in the category of Storytelling. Nelson retells stories from The Gutenberg Project. In the category of storytelling, competitors have thirty minutes to prep their seven-minute speech after drawing from three possible stories to perform. There are fifteen possible stories. Nelson shared this about his experience “It was great. I met a lot of people, and got to see a lot of familiar faces from throughout the season. I also learned what I need to work on next season. I am hoping to go back to compete next year!”
Senior Miranda Pokornowski competed in the category of Humorous Interpretation. Laughter filled the room as Pokornowski performed “Fortune Favors” by Jane Nicolaas. Miranda portrays a fortune teller who is on the verge of getting fired. The fortune teller, Esmeralda, uses her wits, reused fortune cookies and a little bit of magic to try to keep her job and find her boss the women of his dreams. This was Porkornowski’s first year competing in the category of humorous and first year advancing to the state tournament. She previous competed in drama and prose categories, respectively.
Senior Captain Kailee Johnson, competed in Extemporaneous Reading. In this category, like in storytelling, Johnson has multiple poems prepared. Johnson does not know which poems she will be performing until thirty minutes prior to her performance. She practiced and prepared thirty-eight different poems from The Poetry of our World edited by Jeffery Paine. This is her third year advancing to the state tournament. Johnson shared, “State was an incredible experience. I had the privilege to compete against my very talented friend Sara, and while I was standing in front of my last audience looking at all the supportive faces in the audience, she gave me the most reassuring smile. And then I looked over and saw my mom and coaches already starting to tear up. ” Johnson’s scores were 1-2-2 in the prelims and she earned her spot into the State Championship Round in Extemporaneous Reading. Johnson placed 7th in State.
Senior Captain Sara Cronk competed at the state tournament for the second time in the category of Extemporaneous Reading. She performs cuttings from The Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury. There are fifteen stories selected by the MSHSL for students to prepare. Cronk has thirty minutes to prepare her seven-minute cutting. Cronk said, "I'm so glad to have ended my speech career like this: in state finals alongside Kailee, who is my close friend and who I've been competing with since ninth grade. We always said we'd make it someday, and to actually have it happen is a dream come true”. Cronk earned scores of 3-1-4 in prelims which was enough to earn a spot in the final round. Cronk placed 5th in the Championship Round in Extemporaneous Reading.
Johnson and Cronk’s final round at state finals was stacked with eight unbelievably talented speakers. The MSHSL selects the books (one prose and one poetry) for the students in this category to perform from in the 2018 season. The competitors were judged by five qualified judges. They were timed by a room manager along with a reader to verify they read the words correctly. Other competitors in the championship round were from: Mankato West, Eagan, Eastview (Apple Valley), Rosemount, Moorehead, Elk River. Dassel-Cokato was among the thirty schools that were competing in the final round; furthermore, DC was among the eighteen schools that had two or more competitors in the championship round. This was D-C's first competitors to make it to the Class AA State Final Round since Cicily Savory who placed in 8th in Prose in 2014. Extemporaneous Reader, Rachel Korhonen advanced to the Championship Round in 2009, who also took 8th. Johnson and Cronk were also named to the Minnesota Speech Coaches Association's All State Team.
Unfortunately, Pokornowski and Nelson’s scores were not high enough to advance into the championship rounds. The coaches were extremely proud of all their preparations and effort going into the state tournament. This was Beth Steinleitner’s fifth year as Head Speech Coach for the Chargers. Steinleitner was voted by her coaching peers to judge and room manage at the Class A Speech Tournament on Saturday. Rhea Langemo finished her third year as speech team assistant coach and Beth Keskey lead our jr. high speech team this season, It is a honor to have members of our team compete at the State Tournament. Go Charger Speech.
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Rosebowl Tournament
The Charger Speech Team traveled to Roseville High School for the Rosebowl Tournament on Saturday, March 17th. This was the last tournament in the regular 2018 Speech Season. This was the first time the Chargers had spoken at this tournament. We knew it would be competitive, and we would see some of the National Finalists from the Harvard Invitational. There were over 700 competitors. Our team placed 15 out of 23 teams. The top teams from this tournament included: Eagan, Eastview, Lakeville North and Apple Valley.
Senior Ethan Langemo earned a 5-1-2 and did not break into finals; although, those scores are very impressive at this tournament. Katrina Thinesen earned a honorable mention in the category of discussion with scores of 2-1-3. There were eighty four in discussion and Thinesen placed thirteenth. Sara Cronk went 1-1-1 in prelims and make her way into finals. Cronk placed 3rd at the tournament with scores 6-1-2. She narrowly missed 2nd place. The first and second place extemporaneous readers were from Eagan High School. There were seventy extemporaneous readers competing at this tournament.
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Dassel-Cokato Charger Speech Tournament
On Saturday, March 10th the Dassel-Cokato Charger Speech Team stayed home and hosted twelve teams and nearly two hundred competitors. St. Michael-Albertville took 1st place; followed by Annandale who placed 2nd. The Charger Invitational is unique compared to other tournaments, because we recognize our First Year speakers from all teams by giving them a certificate. We also take some time to thank and give a certificate to all of the Seniors. The Chargers did a great job breaking seventeen entries in the top seven. The following individual honors go to:
7th place: Emmanuel Johnson (humorous)
7th place: Noah Pederson (extemp. speaking)
6th place: Jubal Nelson (storytelling)
5th place: Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
5th place: Carrie Nelson (extemp reading)
5th place: Gannon Miller (storytelling)
5th place: Jessica Cron (humorous)
4th place: Elizabeth Knutson (poetry)
4th place: Brynn Olsen (extemp reading)
3rd place: Ethan Langemo (drama)
2nd place: Sara Cronk (humorous)
2nd place: Dylan Tessmer (informative)
2nd place: Clara Muller (discussion)
2nd place: Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading)
2nd place: Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling)
1st place: Caroline Cronk/Erikka Langemo (duo)
1st place: Sara Cronk (extemp. reading)
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DC takes 3rd at Fridley Tournament with 4 Champions
On Saturday, March 3rd the DC Charger Speech Team traveled to Fridley High School for the 17th Annual Fridley Invitational. This was the Chargers’ third tournament in eight days and they were ready for a great tournament. There were teams and over 300 competitors at the tournament. The Chargers placed third behind Anoka and Champlin Park.
This tournament is known as the baked potato tournament, because they give their honorable mention competitors a baked potato in lieu of a ribbon or certificate. Our honorable mention baked potato recipients were: Tait Jerde in storytelling, Clara Muller in discussion, Ethan Langemo in drama, Carrie Nelson in extemporaneous reading and Emmanuel Johnson in humorous.
Earning 6th place was Katrina Thinesen in discussion. Dassel-Cokato had three third place winners: Jubal Nelson (storytelling), Miranda Pokornowski (humorous), Abby Carpenter (drama). Taking home the 2nd place trophy was Kailee Johnson in the category of extemporaneous reading. Dassel-Cokato had four tournament champions in their respective categories. There are thirteen categories in speech and this is a remarkable achievement. Freshman Audrey Weckwerth was tournament champion in storytelling. Senior Katelyn Lundeen became champion in the category of discussion. Senior Jessica Cron took home 1st place in humorous and Sara Cronk repeated as champion at the Fridley tournament for the second year in a row. This was Cronk’s third 1st place victory in extemporaneous reading this season.
Chargers Compete in Andover
Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover for their first tournament of the season the end of January. The team prepared the first part of the season writing, researching, reading and now performing. This tournament is important for the team to see their Section 5AA team competitors that we will face again in March. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team but still prevailed. There were 22 schools with nearly 400 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were novice Clara Muller in the category of discussion, and Abby Carpenter who switched categories and is doing drama this year. The DC Team was strong in humorous, and three members of the team earned an honorable mention in that respective category Emmanuel Johnson, Jessica Cron and Sara Cronk.
Abbie Stertz competed in next-in finals in the category of original oratory. This is her second writing category in the season.
Dassel-Cokato had six competitors advance to the finals round at the Andover Tournament. Elizabeth Knurston returning in poetry placed 7th. Senior, Sara Cronk placed sixth in extemporaneous reading. Eighth grader, Dylan Tessmer placed sixth in informative speaking. Abbie Stertz in her main category placed 5th in great speeches. Senior Kailee Johnson placed 3rd in extemporaneous reading along with freshman Audrey Weckwerth in Storytelling.
Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Clara Muller and Calyn Reiger.
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Chargers Take 2nd Place at WCC
On March 1, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference
meet at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned second place behind Orono. There were over 230 students competing.
DC had sixteen entries earn top honors. Earning 8th place honors were Katrina Thinesen (discussion) and Carrie Nelson (extemporaneous reading). Our 7th place winners at the Wright County Conference Tournament were: Abby Carpenter (drama), Gannon Miller (storytelling), Dylan Tessmer (informative), Jessica Cron (humorous).
Our 6th place finalist were Jubal Nelson (storytelling). Taking 5th place: Caroline Cronk & Erikka Langemo (duo) and Abbie Stertz (great speeches). 4th place recipients include: Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Katelyn Lundeen (discussion).
Senior Ethan Langemo (drama) earned 3rd place and Kailee Johnson took home 2nd in (extemp. reading) along with Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth (duo).
Dassel-Cokato had two Conference Champions. Senior Miranda Pokornowski in the category of humorous and senior Sara Cronk in extemporaneous reading.
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Chaska High School
On a snowy Saturday, The DC Charger headed to Chaska High School with fourteen other teams where DC placed 9th. Woodbury High School placed first, Chanhassen took 2nd and Prior Lake earned 3rd overall. There were 400 competitors at this tournament that has always been very competitive and difficult to break into finals for the DC Chargers. The Chargers are never fearful of good competition; they worked hard and kept fighting for a spot in finals. Dassel-Cokato had eight competitors compete in the next-in honor final. This is the most speakers the team has had break into that final. Earning 6th place in humorous was senior, Jessica Cron. Also, earning 6th place in her respective category was Elizabeth Knutson in poetry. Knutson is performing Amanda Lovelace’s “The Princess Saves Herself in this One”. Junior Carrie Nelson placed 6th in extemporaneous reading.
DC was represented well in the duo next in honor final. Duo pair, Katelyn Lundeen and Katrina Thinesen earned 4th place joining them on stage was two other DC duos. Juniors, Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth 3rd place and Caroline Cronk and Erikka Langemo took home 2nd place.
Freshman, Audrey Weckwerth placed 4th in storytelling. Sara Cronk took home 1st place in the next-in honor final of extemporaneous reading.
Senior, Kailee Johnson earned an impressive 3rd place finishing in the category of extemporaneous reading. Johnson was the only one from the team who earned a spot in the finals.
This is a busy time for the speech team as they prepare for two tournaments next week including the Wright County Conference and Fridley High School tournament.
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Speech Team Places 2nd at STMA
The Charger Speech Team was at full power on Saturday, February 10th as we headed to St. Michael-Albertville. Our speechies that also participated in the One Act were back with us competing at this tournament. This was an important tournament for members of our team that were also heading to Boston for the Harvard Invitational the following weekend. The St. Michael-Albertville Tournament is very popular meet for surrounding and distance teams. In the last few years, this tournament fills up fast capping with nearly 600 entries. There were 25 schools present at this tournament and the Chargers placed 4th overall. Due to the size of the tournament, the team awards were divided into small, medium and large categories depending on the number of entries. The Dassel-Cokato Chargers placed 2nd in Medium sized Schools.
This tournament had 570 competitors, and the Chargers were ready to speak.
The individual recognition goes to Elizabeth Knutson earning a honorable mention in poetry.
This tournament also gave many speakers the chance to speak in a final round, honor (next-in) final and merit final. Competitors who broke into finals are the top seven speakers after the three prelim rounds, honor finals are the next seven speakers and merit the following seven after that. Not all categories had merit finals. Merit final rounds were based off of the number of entries in each category.
DC was represented well in the humorous merit final. Sophomore Evette Johnson placed 6th, Jessica Cron placed 4th and Carrie Nelson placed 3rd with her script call “Cheering my way into College”.
The Chargers had two entries in the next-in honor finals in duo. Juniors, Bynn Olson and Eleanor Weckwerth placed 6th and Caroline Cronk and Erikka Langemo placed 4th with “Understatement of the Century”.
Dassel-Cokato had an impressive eight competitors in the final round. Earning 7th place in humorous were Sara Cronk and Jubal Nelson earning 6th place also in humorous. Freshman Audrey Weckwerth placed 6th in storytelling. Junior, Katrina Thinesen placed 5th in discussion. The 2018 Discussion Topic is the Movement of People. Senior Ethan Langemo placed 3rd in drama. Senior, Kailee Johnson earned 2nd place in extemporaneous reading and in the category of POI (program oral interpretation). POI is a category offered at the national speech level with is a mixture of interpretation literature and periodicals. DC had one category champion, Sara Cronk, in extemporaneous reading. Cronk placed first at this tournament last season
too.
This was a great meet that showed our strength as a team especially in the category of humorous where DC had five finals.
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Speech Team Takes 3rd Place at Champlin Park
Charger Speech Team traveled to Champlin Park High School to compete in the first weekend in February. Champlin Park has not hosted a tournament in many years and had over 200 competitors speaking for high honors at this tournament. Champlin Park is in the DC Chargers MSHSL section competition. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team but still prevailed with a 3rd place team trophy. There were thirteen schools competing at this tournament.
Earning a honorable mention was Evette Johnson in humorous with her script, “When Math Students Go Bad”. She narrowly missed advancing into finals. Novice duo, Cooper Ernst and Noah Jarosz competed in their first varsity tournament and was the next duo out from advancing to finals. Ernst and Jarosz are in middle school.
Charger Speech had eight finalists. Brynn Olsen advanced in extemporaneous reading and placed 6th. This is a new category for Olsen. Earning 5th placed in their respective categories, Emmanuel Johnson in humorous and Abbie Stertz in great speeches. Senior, Jessica Cron placed 4th in humorous with the script, “Monsters will be Monsters”. Katelyn Lundeen and Katrina Theinsen, who have been competing in discussion in previous year, took 3rd in duo. Senior, Kailee Johnson placed 2nd in extemporaneous reading joining her with also earning 2nd place was Dylan Tessmer in informative and Audrey Weckwerth in storytelling.
Johnson 7th, Cronk 5th at State Speech Tournament
Four D-C Charger speechies earned the honor to represent our school at the Class AA speech tournament Friday, April 20, 2018, at Apple Valley High School. Sixty-five of the 109 schools in Class AA statewide were represented. Dassel-Cokato was one of the smallest schools that competed at the AA tournament. There are eight sections in AA, and D-C is proud to be from 5AA.
With rooms filled with family members, coaches and friends, the D-C spectators cheered and supported our state participants: Kailee Johnson, Sara Cronk, Miranda Pokornowski and Jubal Nelson. They were among the top 24 speakers in their respective categories.
Jubal Nelson, a freshman, competed at the state tournament for the first time in his speech career. Nelson competed in the category of Storytelling. Nelson retells stories from The Gutenberg Project. In the category of storytelling, competitors have thirty minutes to prep their seven-minute speech after drawing from three possible stories to perform. There are fifteen possible stories. Nelson shared this about his experience “It was great. I met a lot of people, and got to see a lot of familiar faces from throughout the season. I also learned what I need to work on next season. I am hoping to go back to compete next year!”
Senior Miranda Pokornowski competed in the category of Humorous Interpretation. Laughter filled the room as Pokornowski performed “Fortune Favors” by Jane Nicolaas. Miranda portrays a fortune teller who is on the verge of getting fired. The fortune teller, Esmeralda, uses her wits, reused fortune cookies and a little bit of magic to try to keep her job and find her boss the women of his dreams. This was Porkornowski’s first year competing in the category of humorous and first year advancing to the state tournament. She previous competed in drama and prose categories, respectively.
Senior Captain Kailee Johnson, competed in Extemporaneous Reading. In this category, like in storytelling, Johnson has multiple poems prepared. Johnson does not know which poems she will be performing until thirty minutes prior to her performance. She practiced and prepared thirty-eight different poems from The Poetry of our World edited by Jeffery Paine. This is her third year advancing to the state tournament. Johnson shared, “State was an incredible experience. I had the privilege to compete against my very talented friend Sara, and while I was standing in front of my last audience looking at all the supportive faces in the audience, she gave me the most reassuring smile. And then I looked over and saw my mom and coaches already starting to tear up. ” Johnson’s scores were 1-2-2 in the prelims and she earned her spot into the State Championship Round in Extemporaneous Reading. Johnson placed 7th in State.
Senior Captain Sara Cronk competed at the state tournament for the second time in the category of Extemporaneous Reading. She performs cuttings from The Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury. There are fifteen stories selected by the MSHSL for students to prepare. Cronk has thirty minutes to prepare her seven-minute cutting. Cronk said, "I'm so glad to have ended my speech career like this: in state finals alongside Kailee, who is my close friend and who I've been competing with since ninth grade. We always said we'd make it someday, and to actually have it happen is a dream come true”. Cronk earned scores of 3-1-4 in prelims which was enough to earn a spot in the final round. Cronk placed 5th in the Championship Round in Extemporaneous Reading.
Johnson and Cronk’s final round at state finals was stacked with eight unbelievably talented speakers. The MSHSL selects the books (one prose and one poetry) for the students in this category to perform from in the 2018 season. The competitors were judged by five qualified judges. They were timed by a room manager along with a reader to verify they read the words correctly. Other competitors in the championship round were from: Mankato West, Eagan, Eastview (Apple Valley), Rosemount, Moorehead, Elk River. Dassel-Cokato was among the thirty schools that were competing in the final round; furthermore, DC was among the eighteen schools that had two or more competitors in the championship round. This was D-C's first competitors to make it to the Class AA State Final Round since Cicily Savory who placed in 8th in Prose in 2014. Extemporaneous Reader, Rachel Korhonen advanced to the Championship Round in 2009, who also took 8th. Johnson and Cronk were also named to the Minnesota Speech Coaches Association's All State Team.
Unfortunately, Pokornowski and Nelson’s scores were not high enough to advance into the championship rounds. The coaches were extremely proud of all their preparations and effort going into the state tournament. This was Beth Steinleitner’s fifth year as Head Speech Coach for the Chargers. Steinleitner was voted by her coaching peers to judge and room manage at the Class A Speech Tournament on Saturday. Rhea Langemo finished her third year as speech team assistant coach and Beth Keskey lead our jr. high speech team this season, It is a honor to have members of our team compete at the State Tournament. Go Charger Speech.
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Rosebowl Tournament
The Charger Speech Team traveled to Roseville High School for the Rosebowl Tournament on Saturday, March 17th. This was the last tournament in the regular 2018 Speech Season. This was the first time the Chargers had spoken at this tournament. We knew it would be competitive, and we would see some of the National Finalists from the Harvard Invitational. There were over 700 competitors. Our team placed 15 out of 23 teams. The top teams from this tournament included: Eagan, Eastview, Lakeville North and Apple Valley.
Senior Ethan Langemo earned a 5-1-2 and did not break into finals; although, those scores are very impressive at this tournament. Katrina Thinesen earned a honorable mention in the category of discussion with scores of 2-1-3. There were eighty four in discussion and Thinesen placed thirteenth. Sara Cronk went 1-1-1 in prelims and make her way into finals. Cronk placed 3rd at the tournament with scores 6-1-2. She narrowly missed 2nd place. The first and second place extemporaneous readers were from Eagan High School. There were seventy extemporaneous readers competing at this tournament.
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Dassel-Cokato Charger Speech Tournament
On Saturday, March 10th the Dassel-Cokato Charger Speech Team stayed home and hosted twelve teams and nearly two hundred competitors. St. Michael-Albertville took 1st place; followed by Annandale who placed 2nd. The Charger Invitational is unique compared to other tournaments, because we recognize our First Year speakers from all teams by giving them a certificate. We also take some time to thank and give a certificate to all of the Seniors. The Chargers did a great job breaking seventeen entries in the top seven. The following individual honors go to:
7th place: Emmanuel Johnson (humorous)
7th place: Noah Pederson (extemp. speaking)
6th place: Jubal Nelson (storytelling)
5th place: Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
5th place: Carrie Nelson (extemp reading)
5th place: Gannon Miller (storytelling)
5th place: Jessica Cron (humorous)
4th place: Elizabeth Knutson (poetry)
4th place: Brynn Olsen (extemp reading)
3rd place: Ethan Langemo (drama)
2nd place: Sara Cronk (humorous)
2nd place: Dylan Tessmer (informative)
2nd place: Clara Muller (discussion)
2nd place: Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading)
2nd place: Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling)
1st place: Caroline Cronk/Erikka Langemo (duo)
1st place: Sara Cronk (extemp. reading)
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DC takes 3rd at Fridley Tournament with 4 Champions
On Saturday, March 3rd the DC Charger Speech Team traveled to Fridley High School for the 17th Annual Fridley Invitational. This was the Chargers’ third tournament in eight days and they were ready for a great tournament. There were teams and over 300 competitors at the tournament. The Chargers placed third behind Anoka and Champlin Park.
This tournament is known as the baked potato tournament, because they give their honorable mention competitors a baked potato in lieu of a ribbon or certificate. Our honorable mention baked potato recipients were: Tait Jerde in storytelling, Clara Muller in discussion, Ethan Langemo in drama, Carrie Nelson in extemporaneous reading and Emmanuel Johnson in humorous.
Earning 6th place was Katrina Thinesen in discussion. Dassel-Cokato had three third place winners: Jubal Nelson (storytelling), Miranda Pokornowski (humorous), Abby Carpenter (drama). Taking home the 2nd place trophy was Kailee Johnson in the category of extemporaneous reading. Dassel-Cokato had four tournament champions in their respective categories. There are thirteen categories in speech and this is a remarkable achievement. Freshman Audrey Weckwerth was tournament champion in storytelling. Senior Katelyn Lundeen became champion in the category of discussion. Senior Jessica Cron took home 1st place in humorous and Sara Cronk repeated as champion at the Fridley tournament for the second year in a row. This was Cronk’s third 1st place victory in extemporaneous reading this season.
Chargers Compete in Andover
Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover for their first tournament of the season the end of January. The team prepared the first part of the season writing, researching, reading and now performing. This tournament is important for the team to see their Section 5AA team competitors that we will face again in March. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team but still prevailed. There were 22 schools with nearly 400 competitors.
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were novice Clara Muller in the category of discussion, and Abby Carpenter who switched categories and is doing drama this year. The DC Team was strong in humorous, and three members of the team earned an honorable mention in that respective category Emmanuel Johnson, Jessica Cron and Sara Cronk.
Abbie Stertz competed in next-in finals in the category of original oratory. This is her second writing category in the season.
Dassel-Cokato had six competitors advance to the finals round at the Andover Tournament. Elizabeth Knurston returning in poetry placed 7th. Senior, Sara Cronk placed sixth in extemporaneous reading. Eighth grader, Dylan Tessmer placed sixth in informative speaking. Abbie Stertz in her main category placed 5th in great speeches. Senior Kailee Johnson placed 3rd in extemporaneous reading along with freshman Audrey Weckwerth in Storytelling.
Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Clara Muller and Calyn Reiger.
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Chargers Take 2nd Place at WCC
On March 1, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference
meet at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned second place behind Orono. There were over 230 students competing.
DC had sixteen entries earn top honors. Earning 8th place honors were Katrina Thinesen (discussion) and Carrie Nelson (extemporaneous reading). Our 7th place winners at the Wright County Conference Tournament were: Abby Carpenter (drama), Gannon Miller (storytelling), Dylan Tessmer (informative), Jessica Cron (humorous).
Our 6th place finalist were Jubal Nelson (storytelling). Taking 5th place: Caroline Cronk & Erikka Langemo (duo) and Abbie Stertz (great speeches). 4th place recipients include: Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Katelyn Lundeen (discussion).
Senior Ethan Langemo (drama) earned 3rd place and Kailee Johnson took home 2nd in (extemp. reading) along with Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth (duo).
Dassel-Cokato had two Conference Champions. Senior Miranda Pokornowski in the category of humorous and senior Sara Cronk in extemporaneous reading.
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Chaska High School
On a snowy Saturday, The DC Charger headed to Chaska High School with fourteen other teams where DC placed 9th. Woodbury High School placed first, Chanhassen took 2nd and Prior Lake earned 3rd overall. There were 400 competitors at this tournament that has always been very competitive and difficult to break into finals for the DC Chargers. The Chargers are never fearful of good competition; they worked hard and kept fighting for a spot in finals. Dassel-Cokato had eight competitors compete in the next-in honor final. This is the most speakers the team has had break into that final. Earning 6th place in humorous was senior, Jessica Cron. Also, earning 6th place in her respective category was Elizabeth Knutson in poetry. Knutson is performing Amanda Lovelace’s “The Princess Saves Herself in this One”. Junior Carrie Nelson placed 6th in extemporaneous reading.
DC was represented well in the duo next in honor final. Duo pair, Katelyn Lundeen and Katrina Thinesen earned 4th place joining them on stage was two other DC duos. Juniors, Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth 3rd place and Caroline Cronk and Erikka Langemo took home 2nd place.
Freshman, Audrey Weckwerth placed 4th in storytelling. Sara Cronk took home 1st place in the next-in honor final of extemporaneous reading.
Senior, Kailee Johnson earned an impressive 3rd place finishing in the category of extemporaneous reading. Johnson was the only one from the team who earned a spot in the finals.
This is a busy time for the speech team as they prepare for two tournaments next week including the Wright County Conference and Fridley High School tournament.
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Speech Team Places 2nd at STMA
The Charger Speech Team was at full power on Saturday, February 10th as we headed to St. Michael-Albertville. Our speechies that also participated in the One Act were back with us competing at this tournament. This was an important tournament for members of our team that were also heading to Boston for the Harvard Invitational the following weekend. The St. Michael-Albertville Tournament is very popular meet for surrounding and distance teams. In the last few years, this tournament fills up fast capping with nearly 600 entries. There were 25 schools present at this tournament and the Chargers placed 4th overall. Due to the size of the tournament, the team awards were divided into small, medium and large categories depending on the number of entries. The Dassel-Cokato Chargers placed 2nd in Medium sized Schools.
This tournament had 570 competitors, and the Chargers were ready to speak.
The individual recognition goes to Elizabeth Knutson earning a honorable mention in poetry.
This tournament also gave many speakers the chance to speak in a final round, honor (next-in) final and merit final. Competitors who broke into finals are the top seven speakers after the three prelim rounds, honor finals are the next seven speakers and merit the following seven after that. Not all categories had merit finals. Merit final rounds were based off of the number of entries in each category.
DC was represented well in the humorous merit final. Sophomore Evette Johnson placed 6th, Jessica Cron placed 4th and Carrie Nelson placed 3rd with her script call “Cheering my way into College”.
The Chargers had two entries in the next-in honor finals in duo. Juniors, Bynn Olson and Eleanor Weckwerth placed 6th and Caroline Cronk and Erikka Langemo placed 4th with “Understatement of the Century”.
Dassel-Cokato had an impressive eight competitors in the final round. Earning 7th place in humorous were Sara Cronk and Jubal Nelson earning 6th place also in humorous. Freshman Audrey Weckwerth placed 6th in storytelling. Junior, Katrina Thinesen placed 5th in discussion. The 2018 Discussion Topic is the Movement of People. Senior Ethan Langemo placed 3rd in drama. Senior, Kailee Johnson earned 2nd place in extemporaneous reading and in the category of POI (program oral interpretation). POI is a category offered at the national speech level with is a mixture of interpretation literature and periodicals. DC had one category champion, Sara Cronk, in extemporaneous reading. Cronk placed first at this tournament last season
too.
This was a great meet that showed our strength as a team especially in the category of humorous where DC had five finals.
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Speech Team Takes 3rd Place at Champlin Park
Charger Speech Team traveled to Champlin Park High School to compete in the first weekend in February. Champlin Park has not hosted a tournament in many years and had over 200 competitors speaking for high honors at this tournament. Champlin Park is in the DC Chargers MSHSL section competition. The DC team was missing competitors that were performing with the One Act team but still prevailed with a 3rd place team trophy. There were thirteen schools competing at this tournament.
Earning a honorable mention was Evette Johnson in humorous with her script, “When Math Students Go Bad”. She narrowly missed advancing into finals. Novice duo, Cooper Ernst and Noah Jarosz competed in their first varsity tournament and was the next duo out from advancing to finals. Ernst and Jarosz are in middle school.
Charger Speech had eight finalists. Brynn Olsen advanced in extemporaneous reading and placed 6th. This is a new category for Olsen. Earning 5th placed in their respective categories, Emmanuel Johnson in humorous and Abbie Stertz in great speeches. Senior, Jessica Cron placed 4th in humorous with the script, “Monsters will be Monsters”. Katelyn Lundeen and Katrina Theinsen, who have been competing in discussion in previous year, took 3rd in duo. Senior, Kailee Johnson placed 2nd in extemporaneous reading joining her with also earning 2nd place was Dylan Tessmer in informative and Audrey Weckwerth in storytelling.
2016-2017
New London Spicer
The Chargers traveled west for their last invitational of the 2017 season. The DC Chargers along with twenty other teams competed at New London- Spicer High School on Saturday, March 19th. The Chargers did not have a full team due to many of our speakers visiting Washington DC for NHS. Even though we were smaller numbers, the judges liked what they heard from the Chargers. The New London-Spicer tournament did not have honorable mentions. Elizabeth Knutson (poetry) just missed breaking into finals. The Chargers had six in finals. The finalists included:
Sophmore, Katrina Thinesen competed in discussion and earned 5th place. This years topic is on privacy issues: government, work and individual sections.
Freshman, Erikka Langemo placed 5th in drama with her selection called, “Amazing Grace”.
Captain, Kailee Johnson placed 8th in extemporaneous reading of poetry.
Sophomore, Trystan Hortsman placed 7th in extemporaneous speaking. This is Hortsman’s second year in speech. Last year he competed in discussion and this year he is speaking on international issues.
Junior, Jessica Cron placed 4th in humorous. Cron performs a hilarious third grade play of the moon landing in “One Giant Leap”.
Eighth grader, Audrey Weckwerth earned 5th place in storytelling. This is Weckwerth’s second year in speech and second year competing in storytelling.
The team competes in Section 5AA Tournament in Wayzata on Friday, March 24th. The top three individuals in each category will compete at the State Tournament on Friday, April 21st.
The Chargers traveled west for their last invitational of the 2017 season. The DC Chargers along with twenty other teams competed at New London- Spicer High School on Saturday, March 19th. The Chargers did not have a full team due to many of our speakers visiting Washington DC for NHS. Even though we were smaller numbers, the judges liked what they heard from the Chargers. The New London-Spicer tournament did not have honorable mentions. Elizabeth Knutson (poetry) just missed breaking into finals. The Chargers had six in finals. The finalists included:
Sophmore, Katrina Thinesen competed in discussion and earned 5th place. This years topic is on privacy issues: government, work and individual sections.
Freshman, Erikka Langemo placed 5th in drama with her selection called, “Amazing Grace”.
Captain, Kailee Johnson placed 8th in extemporaneous reading of poetry.
Sophomore, Trystan Hortsman placed 7th in extemporaneous speaking. This is Hortsman’s second year in speech. Last year he competed in discussion and this year he is speaking on international issues.
Junior, Jessica Cron placed 4th in humorous. Cron performs a hilarious third grade play of the moon landing in “One Giant Leap”.
Eighth grader, Audrey Weckwerth earned 5th place in storytelling. This is Weckwerth’s second year in speech and second year competing in storytelling.
The team competes in Section 5AA Tournament in Wayzata on Friday, March 24th. The top three individuals in each category will compete at the State Tournament on Friday, April 21st.
Kimball
On March 10, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Kimball Invitational Speech Meet. There were 22 other schools taking part in this meet. There were 385 competitors trying earn their spots into finals. The team represented DC well with 8 speechies breaking into finals. The team had ten speechies just miss advancing into finals and earned honorable mentions. These students were:
Honorable Mentions:
Caroline Cronk in Creative
Katelyn Lundeen in Discussion
Jack Zeidler in Discussion
Jessica Cron in Humorous
Dani Leung in Humorous
Dylan Blommer in Informative
Miranda Pokornowski in Prose
Linnea Pokornowski in Prose
Mark Pringnitz in Storytelling
Abby Carpenter in Storytelling
Earning 8th place: Evette Johnson in Humorous
7th place: Trystan Horstman in Extemporaneous Speaking
6th place: Katrina Thinesen in Discussion
4th place: Erikka Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
3rd place: Ethan Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
Sara Cronk in Extemporaneous Reading
2nd place: Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches
Grand Champion: Kailee Johnson in Extemporaneous Reading.
This tournament is a team favorite, besides it being close to DC. The Kimball Speech Team has a themed tournament; this year is was Doctor Who. The DC team and parents started off the morning with our annual hot chocolate in the parking lot before loading the bus. The coaches were hoping for warmer weather, but enjoyed the HOT chocolate. When the team travels to Kimball, we are able to have a later departure time versus the 6:30am times we usually have. The coaches host this event as a way to thank our speech parents for their dedication on bringing the kids to the bus on time.
Looking ahead, our last regular speech meet of the season is this Saturday at New London-Spicer. The Section 5AA Tournament is coming up on Friday, March24th to compete for a spot at the state tournament.
Honorable Mentions:
Caroline Cronk in Creative
Katelyn Lundeen in Discussion
Jack Zeidler in Discussion
Jessica Cron in Humorous
Dani Leung in Humorous
Dylan Blommer in Informative
Miranda Pokornowski in Prose
Linnea Pokornowski in Prose
Mark Pringnitz in Storytelling
Abby Carpenter in Storytelling
Earning 8th place: Evette Johnson in Humorous
7th place: Trystan Horstman in Extemporaneous Speaking
6th place: Katrina Thinesen in Discussion
4th place: Erikka Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
3rd place: Ethan Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
Sara Cronk in Extemporaneous Reading
2nd place: Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches
Grand Champion: Kailee Johnson in Extemporaneous Reading.
This tournament is a team favorite, besides it being close to DC. The Kimball Speech Team has a themed tournament; this year is was Doctor Who. The DC team and parents started off the morning with our annual hot chocolate in the parking lot before loading the bus. The coaches were hoping for warmer weather, but enjoyed the HOT chocolate. When the team travels to Kimball, we are able to have a later departure time versus the 6:30am times we usually have. The coaches host this event as a way to thank our speech parents for their dedication on bringing the kids to the bus on time.
Looking ahead, our last regular speech meet of the season is this Saturday at New London-Spicer. The Section 5AA Tournament is coming up on Friday, March24th to compete for a spot at the state tournament.
Fridley
DC earns 2nd at Fridley Invitational
On March 4, the Dassel-Cokato Speech Team traveled to Fridley to compete against seventeen other schools. The Charger Speech Team took an impressive 2nd place finish behind Anoka. There were 350 competitors. The Chargers were competing against other schools that they have not seen this season. It was a good challenge for the team.
Honorable Mentions:
Caroline Cronk- Creative
Katelyn Lundeen- Discussion
Trystan Hortsman- Extemporaneous Speaking
Tarnia Mann- Great Speeches
Emmanuel Johnson- Humorous
Dylan Blommer- Informative
Mark Pringnitz- Storytelling
7th place:
Miranda Pokornowski- Prose
6th place:
Britanie Borg- Great Speeches
4th place:
Erikka Langemo- Drama
Jessica Cron- Humorous
3rd place:
Kailee Johnson- Extemporaneous Reading
2nd place:
Ethan Langemo- Drama
Abby Carpenter- Storytelling
1st place:
Sara Cronk- Extemporaneous Reading This is Cronk’s fourth first place this season. In the final round of extemporaneous reading, she earned two perfect scores (1-100) from her judges.
The Chargers are in their final stretch of the season. Our section tournament is a few weeks away and the team is working on polishing their performances. It is great to see about half of the team earn recognition for their hard work at tournaments. Many of our first year speakers are earning 2’s or 3’s in a round and have shown incredible improvement in their speaking. This is an incredible team to coach. They celebrate each other’s successes and are encouraging to each other. With a few weeks left on the regular season, keep an eye on the team as we move forward to the section tournament.
On March 4, the Dassel-Cokato Speech Team traveled to Fridley to compete against seventeen other schools. The Charger Speech Team took an impressive 2nd place finish behind Anoka. There were 350 competitors. The Chargers were competing against other schools that they have not seen this season. It was a good challenge for the team.
Honorable Mentions:
Caroline Cronk- Creative
Katelyn Lundeen- Discussion
Trystan Hortsman- Extemporaneous Speaking
Tarnia Mann- Great Speeches
Emmanuel Johnson- Humorous
Dylan Blommer- Informative
Mark Pringnitz- Storytelling
7th place:
Miranda Pokornowski- Prose
6th place:
Britanie Borg- Great Speeches
4th place:
Erikka Langemo- Drama
Jessica Cron- Humorous
3rd place:
Kailee Johnson- Extemporaneous Reading
2nd place:
Ethan Langemo- Drama
Abby Carpenter- Storytelling
1st place:
Sara Cronk- Extemporaneous Reading This is Cronk’s fourth first place this season. In the final round of extemporaneous reading, she earned two perfect scores (1-100) from her judges.
The Chargers are in their final stretch of the season. Our section tournament is a few weeks away and the team is working on polishing their performances. It is great to see about half of the team earn recognition for their hard work at tournaments. Many of our first year speakers are earning 2’s or 3’s in a round and have shown incredible improvement in their speaking. This is an incredible team to coach. They celebrate each other’s successes and are encouraging to each other. With a few weeks left on the regular season, keep an eye on the team as we move forward to the section tournament.
Wright County Conference
Chargers Take 2nd Place at WCC
On March 3, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference meet in Orono. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned second place behind Orono. There were 250 students competing. DC had seventeen entries earn top honors.
Earning 7th place:
Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches
Evette Johnson in Humorous Interpretation
Elizabeth Knutson in Poetry
6th place:
Carrie Nelson and Jubal Nelson in Duo interpretation
Katrina Thinesen in Discussion
Miranda Pokornowski in Prose
5th place:
Dani Leung in Humorous Interpretation
Erikka Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
4th place:
Caroline Cronk in Creative Expression
Jessica Cron in Humorous Interpretation
3rd place:
Katelyn Lundeen in Discussion
There was an unbreakable tie in storytelling and the two competitors were both from Dassel- Cokato- Abby Carpenter and Audrey Weckwerth.
2nd place:
Ethan Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
Sara Cronk in Extemporaneous Reading
Wright County Conference Champions:
Mark Pringnitz earned his first Conference Championship in Storytelling. Kailee Johnson earned her second Conference Champion in Extemporaneous Reading. Pringnitz and Johnson are juniors. Go Charger Speech!
On March 3, the Dassel-Cokato Speech team participated in the Wright County Conference meet in Orono. Teams from Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Mound Westonka, New Prague, Orono, Rockford, New London-Spicer, and Watertown Mayer took part. The team represented DC well and earned second place behind Orono. There were 250 students competing. DC had seventeen entries earn top honors.
Earning 7th place:
Abbie Stertz in Great Speeches
Evette Johnson in Humorous Interpretation
Elizabeth Knutson in Poetry
6th place:
Carrie Nelson and Jubal Nelson in Duo interpretation
Katrina Thinesen in Discussion
Miranda Pokornowski in Prose
5th place:
Dani Leung in Humorous Interpretation
Erikka Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
4th place:
Caroline Cronk in Creative Expression
Jessica Cron in Humorous Interpretation
3rd place:
Katelyn Lundeen in Discussion
There was an unbreakable tie in storytelling and the two competitors were both from Dassel- Cokato- Abby Carpenter and Audrey Weckwerth.
2nd place:
Ethan Langemo in Dramatic Interpretation
Sara Cronk in Extemporaneous Reading
Wright County Conference Champions:
Mark Pringnitz earned his first Conference Championship in Storytelling. Kailee Johnson earned her second Conference Champion in Extemporaneous Reading. Pringnitz and Johnson are juniors. Go Charger Speech!
Chaska
DC travels to Chaska
The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team traveled to Chaska High School on Saturday, February 26th. This is one of the most competitive tournaments the team will compete at this season. Dassel-Cokato and Chaska were in the same MSHSL speech section (2AA) in the past, D-C is now apart of 5AA. The tournament had 570 competitors, mostly from the Twin Cities area school. There were sixteen teams and Dassel- Cokato placed 10th out of 16 teams. The team had five speechies who advanced to finals and next-in finals.
Dassel-Cokato had three next-in finals
Sophomore, Elizabeth Knutson earned her spot breaking into next-in finals in the category of poetry. This was Knutson’s first year in poetry. Knutson does a series of serious poetry by Lacey Roop. Knutson placed 6th.
Freshman, Evette Johnson placed 6th in next-in in the category of humorous. This is Johnson’s second year in speech and first year in humorous. She portrays a girl named Jenny whose family does not understand that she does not like ham in the selection of “I Don’t Like Ham” by Jerry Rabushka.
Captain, Kailee Johnson places in extemporaneous reading- poetry. Johnson placed 2nd with The Poetry of Our World, An International Anthology of Contemporary Poetry Edited by Jeffery Paine in the next-in finals.
DC two finalists
Freshman, Abby Carpenter advanced into finals in the category of storytelling. This is Carpenter’s second year in speech. She retell stories from the book Ready to Tell Tales by David Holt and Bill Mooney. Carpenter took 7th place honors.
Sara Cronk placed again in extemporaneous reading- prose with reading cuttings from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Cronk places an impressive 6th place. This is a busy time for the DC Chargers as they prepared for the Wright County Conference Tournament in Orono and Fridley High School tournament. Go Charger Speech.
The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team traveled to Chaska High School on Saturday, February 26th. This is one of the most competitive tournaments the team will compete at this season. Dassel-Cokato and Chaska were in the same MSHSL speech section (2AA) in the past, D-C is now apart of 5AA. The tournament had 570 competitors, mostly from the Twin Cities area school. There were sixteen teams and Dassel- Cokato placed 10th out of 16 teams. The team had five speechies who advanced to finals and next-in finals.
Dassel-Cokato had three next-in finals
Sophomore, Elizabeth Knutson earned her spot breaking into next-in finals in the category of poetry. This was Knutson’s first year in poetry. Knutson does a series of serious poetry by Lacey Roop. Knutson placed 6th.
Freshman, Evette Johnson placed 6th in next-in in the category of humorous. This is Johnson’s second year in speech and first year in humorous. She portrays a girl named Jenny whose family does not understand that she does not like ham in the selection of “I Don’t Like Ham” by Jerry Rabushka.
Captain, Kailee Johnson places in extemporaneous reading- poetry. Johnson placed 2nd with The Poetry of Our World, An International Anthology of Contemporary Poetry Edited by Jeffery Paine in the next-in finals.
DC two finalists
Freshman, Abby Carpenter advanced into finals in the category of storytelling. This is Carpenter’s second year in speech. She retell stories from the book Ready to Tell Tales by David Holt and Bill Mooney. Carpenter took 7th place honors.
Sara Cronk placed again in extemporaneous reading- prose with reading cuttings from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Cronk places an impressive 6th place. This is a busy time for the DC Chargers as they prepared for the Wright County Conference Tournament in Orono and Fridley High School tournament. Go Charger Speech.
DC Finalists from Chaska:
Front Row (L-R) Evette Johnson, Kailee Johnson
Back Row (L-R) Elizabeth Knutson, Abby Carpenter, Sara Cronk
Front Row (L-R) Evette Johnson, Kailee Johnson
Back Row (L-R) Elizabeth Knutson, Abby Carpenter, Sara Cronk
Blaine
DC places 3rd at Blaine
The Dassel-Cokato Speech team traveled to Blaine High School on February 18th. There were fifteen schools and nearly 375 competitors. This tournament is a sneak preview of our section 5AA competition in April. The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team placed 3rd behind, 1st place Wayzata and second place, Andover High School.
Dassel-Cokato had two students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were:
Britanie Borg (great speeches)
Katelyn Lundeen (discussion)
Our tournament finalists were:
Sara Cronk (extemp. reading) 1st place
Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading) 3rd place
Miranda Pokornowski (prose) 3rd place
Dani Leung (humorous) 3rd place
Ethan Langemo (drama) 4th place
Tarnia Mann (great speeches) 4th place
Jessica Cron (humorous) 4th place
Erikka Langemo (drama) 5th place
Eleanor Weckwerth & Brynn Olsen (duo) 6th place
Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling) 6th place
The Dassel-Cokato Speech team traveled to Blaine High School on February 18th. There were fifteen schools and nearly 375 competitors. This tournament is a sneak preview of our section 5AA competition in April. The Dassel-Cokato Speech Team placed 3rd behind, 1st place Wayzata and second place, Andover High School.
Dassel-Cokato had two students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were:
Britanie Borg (great speeches)
Katelyn Lundeen (discussion)
Our tournament finalists were:
Sara Cronk (extemp. reading) 1st place
Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading) 3rd place
Miranda Pokornowski (prose) 3rd place
Dani Leung (humorous) 3rd place
Ethan Langemo (drama) 4th place
Tarnia Mann (great speeches) 4th place
Jessica Cron (humorous) 4th place
Erikka Langemo (drama) 5th place
Eleanor Weckwerth & Brynn Olsen (duo) 6th place
Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling) 6th place
Front Row (L-R) Audrey Weckwerth, Britanie Borg, Tarnia Mann, Sara Cronk, Jessica Cron, Miranda Pokornowski
Back Row (L-R) Ethan Langemo, Erikka Langemo, Katelyn Lundeen, Brynn Olsen, Eleanor Weckwerth, Dani Leung, Kailee Johnson
Back Row (L-R) Ethan Langemo, Erikka Langemo, Katelyn Lundeen, Brynn Olsen, Eleanor Weckwerth, Dani Leung, Kailee Johnson
Dassel Cokato Speech Team with their 3rd place trophy from the Blaine Tournament
St. Michael Albertville
The speech team traveled to St. Michael-Albertville on Saturday, February 11th It was a challenging and competitive tournament for Dassel-Cokato. There were 21 teams and 500 competitors. The Chargers earned 9th place. The tournament had finals and next-in finals for the categories with a large number of entries. All varsity finalists received a scholarship to attend a Speak2Compete Summer Speech Camp this upcoming summer.
The Dassel Cokato Speech Team honorable mentions were:
Britanie Borg (great speeches)
Jubal Nelson & Carrie Nelson (duo)
Kailee Johnson (extemporaneous reading)
Evette Johnson (humorous)
The Dassel-Cokato had four finalists:
Sophomore, Abbie Stertz earned 7th place in Great Speeches. Stertz speaks on Ronald Reagan 1984 Remarks on the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Stertz is a speech captain this season.
Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth (duo) earned 3rd place with their cutting of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza By Don Zolidis. The pair highlight many of Greek mythology relationships. Their speech is both educational and funny.
Eighth grader, Tarnia Mann earned 1st place in Great Speeches. This is Mann’s second year in speech. She speaks and analyzes George Saunders’ commencement speech at Syracuse University in 2013.
Sara Cronk earned 1st place in Extemporaneous Reading. She perform selections from The Book Thief By Markus Zusak. Cronk has thirty minutes to prepare an introduction and perform one of the twenty nine different selections of the book to read. Cronk is a junior.
The Dassel Cokato Speech Team honorable mentions were:
Britanie Borg (great speeches)
Jubal Nelson & Carrie Nelson (duo)
Kailee Johnson (extemporaneous reading)
Evette Johnson (humorous)
The Dassel-Cokato had four finalists:
Sophomore, Abbie Stertz earned 7th place in Great Speeches. Stertz speaks on Ronald Reagan 1984 Remarks on the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Stertz is a speech captain this season.
Brynn Olsen and Eleanor Weckwerth (duo) earned 3rd place with their cutting of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza By Don Zolidis. The pair highlight many of Greek mythology relationships. Their speech is both educational and funny.
Eighth grader, Tarnia Mann earned 1st place in Great Speeches. This is Mann’s second year in speech. She speaks and analyzes George Saunders’ commencement speech at Syracuse University in 2013.
Sara Cronk earned 1st place in Extemporaneous Reading. She perform selections from The Book Thief By Markus Zusak. Cronk has thirty minutes to prepare an introduction and perform one of the twenty nine different selections of the book to read. Cronk is a junior.
Finalists from St. Michael-Albertville Tournament
Front Row (L-R) Sara Cronk, Tarnia Mann, Britanie Borg
Middle Row L-R) Kailee Johnsoon, Eleanor Weckwerth, Evette Johnson
Back Row (L-R) Abbie Stertz, Erikka Langemo, Brynn Olsen
Front Row (L-R) Sara Cronk, Tarnia Mann, Britanie Borg
Middle Row L-R) Kailee Johnsoon, Eleanor Weckwerth, Evette Johnson
Back Row (L-R) Abbie Stertz, Erikka Langemo, Brynn Olsen
Annandale
Annandale Early Bird Tournament- February 2nd
The Speech Team traveled to Annandale High School for their annual “Early Bird” Tournament on Feb 2nd. This tournament format is unusual for a varsity tournament, but it gives speech participants a chance to view other speech categories .Judges gave students a letter grade (A or B) and a percentage score based on individual performance- not in comparison with others. All students with grades of AAA received a green ribbon. Judges were able to give one special award, “Best at Site”, to one person/performance that they felt was superior to the rest. Dassel-Cokato did a remarkable job. There were 300 speakers from 15 different schools.
Students receiving AAA: Dylan Blommer (informative), Britanie Borg (great speeches), Abby Carpenter (storytelling), Jessica Cron (humorous), Caroline Cronk (creative), Sara Cronk (extemp reading), Diamond Daley (original oratory), Evette Johnson (humorous), Kailee Johnson (extemp reading), Elizabeth Knuston (poetry), Erikka Langemo (drama), Dani Leung (humorous), Katelyn Lundeen (discussion), Carrie Nelson & Jubal Nelson (duo), Brynn Olsen & Eleanor Weckwerth (duo), Brynn Olsen (prose), Miranda Pokornowski (prose), Mark Pringnitz (storytelling), Abbie Stertz (great speeches), Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Jack Zeidler (humorous).
Best at Site Award: There were forty-nine Best of Sites awarded that evening and Dassel-Cokato earned eight. These recipients were: Jack Zeidler (discussion), Sara Cronk (extemp reading), Kailee Johnson (extemp reading), Erikka Langemo (drama), Miranda Pokornowski (prose), Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Dani Leung (humorous), Mark Prignitz (storytelling).
The Speech Team traveled to Annandale High School for their annual “Early Bird” Tournament on Feb 2nd. This tournament format is unusual for a varsity tournament, but it gives speech participants a chance to view other speech categories .Judges gave students a letter grade (A or B) and a percentage score based on individual performance- not in comparison with others. All students with grades of AAA received a green ribbon. Judges were able to give one special award, “Best at Site”, to one person/performance that they felt was superior to the rest. Dassel-Cokato did a remarkable job. There were 300 speakers from 15 different schools.
Students receiving AAA: Dylan Blommer (informative), Britanie Borg (great speeches), Abby Carpenter (storytelling), Jessica Cron (humorous), Caroline Cronk (creative), Sara Cronk (extemp reading), Diamond Daley (original oratory), Evette Johnson (humorous), Kailee Johnson (extemp reading), Elizabeth Knuston (poetry), Erikka Langemo (drama), Dani Leung (humorous), Katelyn Lundeen (discussion), Carrie Nelson & Jubal Nelson (duo), Brynn Olsen & Eleanor Weckwerth (duo), Brynn Olsen (prose), Miranda Pokornowski (prose), Mark Pringnitz (storytelling), Abbie Stertz (great speeches), Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Jack Zeidler (humorous).
Best at Site Award: There were forty-nine Best of Sites awarded that evening and Dassel-Cokato earned eight. These recipients were: Jack Zeidler (discussion), Sara Cronk (extemp reading), Kailee Johnson (extemp reading), Erikka Langemo (drama), Miranda Pokornowski (prose), Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling), Dani Leung (humorous), Mark Prignitz (storytelling).
Andover
Charger Speech Team traveled to Andover for their second tournament of the season the end of January. This was the first year the team has competed at the Andover tournament. There were 23 schools with nearly 400 competitors. The Chargers had a strong showing and placed fourth as a team behind first place Anoka High School, second place Stillwater High School, third place Cottage Grove-Park High School.
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were:
Dylan Blommer (informative)
Abby Carpenter (storytelling)
Mark Pringnitz (storytelling)
These competitors advanced into honor finals:
6th place- Caroline Cronk (creative)
7th place- Evette Johnson (humorous)
4th place- Jessica Cron (humorous)
5th place- Katelyn Lundeen (discussion)
Varsity Finals:
4th place-Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading)
1st place- Sara Cronk (extemp. reading)
2nd place- Miranda Pokornowski (prose)
5th place- Katrina Thinesen (discussion)
5th place- Erikka Langemo (drama)
7th place-Dani Leung (humorous)
2nd place- Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Sophia Hilman, Austin Bourque, Dylan Blommer, Carmen Reese, Dominic Jannette.
Go Charger Speech!
Dassel-Cokato had three students who nearly missed breaking into the final rounds and earned honorable mentions. These speechies were:
Dylan Blommer (informative)
Abby Carpenter (storytelling)
Mark Pringnitz (storytelling)
These competitors advanced into honor finals:
6th place- Caroline Cronk (creative)
7th place- Evette Johnson (humorous)
4th place- Jessica Cron (humorous)
5th place- Katelyn Lundeen (discussion)
Varsity Finals:
4th place-Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading)
1st place- Sara Cronk (extemp. reading)
2nd place- Miranda Pokornowski (prose)
5th place- Katrina Thinesen (discussion)
5th place- Erikka Langemo (drama)
7th place-Dani Leung (humorous)
2nd place- Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Sophia Hilman, Austin Bourque, Dylan Blommer, Carmen Reese, Dominic Jannette.
Go Charger Speech!
Orono/Mound Westonka Tournament
The Charger Speech Team traveled to Mound Westonka for their first tournament of the season. This was the first year Orono and Mound Westonka have joined together to host the first tournament of the season. There were 11 schools with nearly 400 competitors. The tournament was divided into two categories – novice and varsity and spread over two schools. The Chargers had a strong showing this first tournament with three State Competitors making a return this season: Kailee Johnson, Ethan Langemo, and Mark Pringnitz. We had twelve of our teammates unable to compete; many with illness.
Dassel-Cokato had six students who missed breaking into the final rounds and earned an honorable mention. These speechies were:
Erikka Langemo (drama)
Carrie Nelson/Jubal Nelson (duo)
Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
Jessica Cron (humorous)
Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling)
The tournament had finals in novice and varsity divisions. All of our finalists received a $200 scholarship from Speak2Compete to attend one of their Summer Speech Camps this upcoming summer. These novice competitors advanced into finals:
Britanie Borg (great speeches) 4th place
Linnea Pokornowski (prose) 4th place
Kayla Grochow/Lily Pokornowski (duo) 3rd place
Varsity Finals:
Mark Prignitz (storytelling) 7th place
Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading) 7th place
Miranda Pokornowski (prose) 6th place
Caroline Cronk (creative expression) 5th place
Evette Johnson (humorous) 5th place
Dani Leung (humorous) 3rd place
Sara Cronk (extemp. reading) 3rd place
Ethan Langemo (drama) 2nd place
Dassel-Cokato have 45 students in speech this year and many competing for the first time. One of the main reasons students join speech is to gain confidence in public speaking and the coaches are excited to watch their growth over the season. This tournament allowed the novice to compete in final rounds with other novice competitors. Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Carola He, Kayla Grochow, Lily Pokornowski, Kylee Jacobson, Noah Pederson, Tait Jerde, Britanie Borg, Payton Amundson, Diamond Daley, Veronica Stenberg, and Linnea Pokornowski. This was a great first tournament with many successes and highlights: first time breaking into finals, first time competing this season or ever and the coaches are very proud.
The 7&8 graders will be traveling to Howard Lake-Waverly Winsted this Tuesday, and the full team will be traveling this Saturday, January 28, to Andover High School. The team is lead by head coach Beth Steinleitner and assistants Rhea Langemo and Jennie Inselman.
Go Charger Speech!
Dassel-Cokato had six students who missed breaking into the final rounds and earned an honorable mention. These speechies were:
Erikka Langemo (drama)
Carrie Nelson/Jubal Nelson (duo)
Abbie Stertz (great speeches)
Jessica Cron (humorous)
Audrey Weckwerth (storytelling)
The tournament had finals in novice and varsity divisions. All of our finalists received a $200 scholarship from Speak2Compete to attend one of their Summer Speech Camps this upcoming summer. These novice competitors advanced into finals:
Britanie Borg (great speeches) 4th place
Linnea Pokornowski (prose) 4th place
Kayla Grochow/Lily Pokornowski (duo) 3rd place
Varsity Finals:
Mark Prignitz (storytelling) 7th place
Kailee Johnson (extemp. reading) 7th place
Miranda Pokornowski (prose) 6th place
Caroline Cronk (creative expression) 5th place
Evette Johnson (humorous) 5th place
Dani Leung (humorous) 3rd place
Sara Cronk (extemp. reading) 3rd place
Ethan Langemo (drama) 2nd place
Dassel-Cokato have 45 students in speech this year and many competing for the first time. One of the main reasons students join speech is to gain confidence in public speaking and the coaches are excited to watch their growth over the season. This tournament allowed the novice to compete in final rounds with other novice competitors. Students making their speech debut at this tournament were: Carola He, Kayla Grochow, Lily Pokornowski, Kylee Jacobson, Noah Pederson, Tait Jerde, Britanie Borg, Payton Amundson, Diamond Daley, Veronica Stenberg, and Linnea Pokornowski. This was a great first tournament with many successes and highlights: first time breaking into finals, first time competing this season or ever and the coaches are very proud.
The 7&8 graders will be traveling to Howard Lake-Waverly Winsted this Tuesday, and the full team will be traveling this Saturday, January 28, to Andover High School. The team is lead by head coach Beth Steinleitner and assistants Rhea Langemo and Jennie Inselman.
Go Charger Speech!
We had a great time at Speech Camp! Thank you Kris, from Speak2Compete, for sharing your knowledge with us!
Speak2Compete Speech Camp (December 10, 2016)
2015-2016
2014-2015
Photo by Country Gallery
2013-2014
Section/State Highlights!
Savoy places 8th in Serious Prose at the Class AA State Tournament
Five D-C charger speechies earned the honor to represent our school at the Class AA speech tournament Friday, April 11, at Blaine High School. 61 of the 114 schools in Class AA were represented. There are eight sections in AA, and D-C is proud to be from 2AA. Twenty percent of the championship finalist were from our section.
With rooms filled with family members, teammates and friends, the D-C spectators cheered and supported our state participants: Cali Patten, Ella Wuollet, Cicily Savoy, Avery Schmidt, and Korra-Shay Richards. They were among the top 24 speakers in their respective categories.
Senior Duo Cali Patten and Ella Wuollet ended their speech careers with a hilarious performance of “Cinderella Wore Combat Boots” by Jerry Chase. Patten and Wuollet’s uniquely creative characters of a FairyGod person as a drill sergeant, a less than “cool and suave” Prince Charming and an overly-friendly and delighted Cinderella. Their duo was enjoyed by all audiences at the state tournament.
Senior Korra-Shay Richards knows international politics. Richards’ performances involve international relationships, along with analyzing countries’ economic and political status. Richards researched domestic and international newspapers and magazines to prepare for her performances this season. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Richards would not know her international question until thirty minutes prior, during which time she prepped for a seven-minute speech. Richards started off the state tournament with earning 1st place in her first prelim round.
Junior Avery Schmidt is excited for another chance for state next year in Extemporaneous Reading. Schmidt competes in a category where he does not know what reading he will be performing until thirty minutes prior to performance. During the 2014 Speech season, seventeen stories were selected from the book Read All About It!, edited by Jim Trelease. Among his great accomplishments, Schmidt was the only boy to advance to the Class AA State Speech Tournament in Extemporaneous Reading.
Senior Cicily Savoy’s serious prose piece, “Just Me” by Alexa McGrierson, was well-received by her prelim judges. Savoy went 2-2-3 in prelim rounds, which earned her a spot in the State Championship Finals. During the Final Round, Savoy’s portrayal of “Billy” left the room in tears as she performed the emotional piece about identity, acceptance and family dynamics. Savoy placed 8th in the category of serious prose - a category that was stacked with 24 overall competitors. This was D-C's first competitor to make it to the Class AA State Final Round since Rachel Korhonen did in 2009 for Extemporaneous Reading, who also took 8th. Savoy's accomplishment ends a successful senior season in which she took home a "Best at Site" honor, two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place finish, and two 1st place finishes - including her 1st Place Section 2AA Championship!
This was the first year for Head Speech Coach, Beth Steinleitner and assistants, Anna Reedy and Elyse Kallgren. The coaches were thrilled to have five competitors representing D-C at the State Tournament. They are proud of the growth in all of the speakers this season and to end the season at the State level.
Go Charger Speech!
----------------------------------------
DC Speech has five students advancing to the AA State Speech Tournament!
Last Saturday the DC Chargers competed in the Section 2AA Sections Tournament at Mankato West High School.
For the section 2AA tournament the students are judged by MSHSL certified judges. For the final round, categories had four judges critique and ranking the student competitors. This high stakes tournament is extremely competitive and coaches were very proud of the growth and success this team has shown in preparation for this tournament.
David Kivisto was the “next-in” into finals in the category of extemporaneous speaking. Also, Emily Kivisto (storytelling) and Camber Gross (drama) each earned first place in a prelim round. Cali Patten & Ella Wuollet (duo) and Bella Schaefer (prose) impressed all of their prelim judges and earned straight first place rankings! DC had ten competitors advance into the final round of the tournament.
Section Finalists from DC were:
7th place: Warren Pringnitz and Emma Pringnitz (duo)
6th place: Alison Basney (humorous)
4th place: Meghan Johnson (creative), Bella Schaefer (prose)
The following students will be advancing to the AA State Competition this Friday:
3rd place: Avery Schmidt (extemporaneous reading), Korra-Shay Richards (extemporaneous speaking)
2nd place: Cali Patten & Ella Wuollet (duo)
1st place: Cicily Savoy (prose)
As a team, DC placed an impressive 4th place! 3rd place honors went to Chaska, 2nd place (Marshall), and Section Champions were Chanhassen High School.
The AA State Tournament is this Friday, April 11th at Blaine High School.
Dassel-Cokato Speech Team at our home meet on Saturday, January 25, 2014.
Speechies Pictured (left to right) Front Row: Lauren Cady, Cali Patten, Rebecca Moy, Bella Schaefer, Korra-Shay Richards, Camber Gross, Cicily Savoy, Brianna Miller. Middle Row: Chris Busche, Will Cronk, Meghan Johnson, Anissa Thielsen, Warren Pringnitz, Emma Pringnitz, Miranda Pokornowski, Emily Linder, Kailee Johnson. Back Row: Sara Cronk, McKenzie Marco, Alexis Iverson, Melissa Moy, Elise Linder, Brendon Johnson, Spencer Flood, Marissa Engquist, Kara Thielsen, Ethan Langemo, David Kivisto, Mark Pringnitz, Sam Schenk."We do for fun what people fear the most!"
Savoy places 8th in Serious Prose at the Class AA State Tournament
Five D-C charger speechies earned the honor to represent our school at the Class AA speech tournament Friday, April 11, at Blaine High School. 61 of the 114 schools in Class AA were represented. There are eight sections in AA, and D-C is proud to be from 2AA. Twenty percent of the championship finalist were from our section.
With rooms filled with family members, teammates and friends, the D-C spectators cheered and supported our state participants: Cali Patten, Ella Wuollet, Cicily Savoy, Avery Schmidt, and Korra-Shay Richards. They were among the top 24 speakers in their respective categories.
Senior Duo Cali Patten and Ella Wuollet ended their speech careers with a hilarious performance of “Cinderella Wore Combat Boots” by Jerry Chase. Patten and Wuollet’s uniquely creative characters of a FairyGod person as a drill sergeant, a less than “cool and suave” Prince Charming and an overly-friendly and delighted Cinderella. Their duo was enjoyed by all audiences at the state tournament.
Senior Korra-Shay Richards knows international politics. Richards’ performances involve international relationships, along with analyzing countries’ economic and political status. Richards researched domestic and international newspapers and magazines to prepare for her performances this season. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Richards would not know her international question until thirty minutes prior, during which time she prepped for a seven-minute speech. Richards started off the state tournament with earning 1st place in her first prelim round.
Junior Avery Schmidt is excited for another chance for state next year in Extemporaneous Reading. Schmidt competes in a category where he does not know what reading he will be performing until thirty minutes prior to performance. During the 2014 Speech season, seventeen stories were selected from the book Read All About It!, edited by Jim Trelease. Among his great accomplishments, Schmidt was the only boy to advance to the Class AA State Speech Tournament in Extemporaneous Reading.
Senior Cicily Savoy’s serious prose piece, “Just Me” by Alexa McGrierson, was well-received by her prelim judges. Savoy went 2-2-3 in prelim rounds, which earned her a spot in the State Championship Finals. During the Final Round, Savoy’s portrayal of “Billy” left the room in tears as she performed the emotional piece about identity, acceptance and family dynamics. Savoy placed 8th in the category of serious prose - a category that was stacked with 24 overall competitors. This was D-C's first competitor to make it to the Class AA State Final Round since Rachel Korhonen did in 2009 for Extemporaneous Reading, who also took 8th. Savoy's accomplishment ends a successful senior season in which she took home a "Best at Site" honor, two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place finish, and two 1st place finishes - including her 1st Place Section 2AA Championship!
This was the first year for Head Speech Coach, Beth Steinleitner and assistants, Anna Reedy and Elyse Kallgren. The coaches were thrilled to have five competitors representing D-C at the State Tournament. They are proud of the growth in all of the speakers this season and to end the season at the State level.
Go Charger Speech!
----------------------------------------
DC Speech has five students advancing to the AA State Speech Tournament!
Last Saturday the DC Chargers competed in the Section 2AA Sections Tournament at Mankato West High School.
For the section 2AA tournament the students are judged by MSHSL certified judges. For the final round, categories had four judges critique and ranking the student competitors. This high stakes tournament is extremely competitive and coaches were very proud of the growth and success this team has shown in preparation for this tournament.
David Kivisto was the “next-in” into finals in the category of extemporaneous speaking. Also, Emily Kivisto (storytelling) and Camber Gross (drama) each earned first place in a prelim round. Cali Patten & Ella Wuollet (duo) and Bella Schaefer (prose) impressed all of their prelim judges and earned straight first place rankings! DC had ten competitors advance into the final round of the tournament.
Section Finalists from DC were:
7th place: Warren Pringnitz and Emma Pringnitz (duo)
6th place: Alison Basney (humorous)
4th place: Meghan Johnson (creative), Bella Schaefer (prose)
The following students will be advancing to the AA State Competition this Friday:
3rd place: Avery Schmidt (extemporaneous reading), Korra-Shay Richards (extemporaneous speaking)
2nd place: Cali Patten & Ella Wuollet (duo)
1st place: Cicily Savoy (prose)
As a team, DC placed an impressive 4th place! 3rd place honors went to Chaska, 2nd place (Marshall), and Section Champions were Chanhassen High School.
The AA State Tournament is this Friday, April 11th at Blaine High School.
Dassel-Cokato Speech Team at our home meet on Saturday, January 25, 2014.
Speechies Pictured (left to right) Front Row: Lauren Cady, Cali Patten, Rebecca Moy, Bella Schaefer, Korra-Shay Richards, Camber Gross, Cicily Savoy, Brianna Miller. Middle Row: Chris Busche, Will Cronk, Meghan Johnson, Anissa Thielsen, Warren Pringnitz, Emma Pringnitz, Miranda Pokornowski, Emily Linder, Kailee Johnson. Back Row: Sara Cronk, McKenzie Marco, Alexis Iverson, Melissa Moy, Elise Linder, Brendon Johnson, Spencer Flood, Marissa Engquist, Kara Thielsen, Ethan Langemo, David Kivisto, Mark Pringnitz, Sam Schenk."We do for fun what people fear the most!"