The Stinger Speech Team made school history over the weekend as they competed at the national-qualifying district tournament for the first time in over a decade, delivering an outstanding performance.
On Saturday, the team traveled to Indiana University Columbus for the tournament that featured top speech competitors from across the region as their vied for a spot at the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, in June.
During the competition, three Stinger Speech members rose to the challenge, including Elijah Washam with International Extemporaneous Speaking and Lillian Black and Audrey Thompson with Duo Interpretation. Both entries were able to advance to the finals to mark a major milestone for the program. Washam, Black and Thompson all finished as second alternates to Nationals.
Rossville Speech Coach Jason Newhouser commented about the achievements of the Speech Team this year.
“We are incredibly proud of these students,” Newhouser said. “Making it to finals and placing so high in a national-qualifying tournament is a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication.”
The 2025 Stinger Speech Team will continue with their competitions this year as Washam, Black and Thompson represent Rossville at the ISSDA State Tournament this Friday, March 7 at Fishers High School.
– Photo courtesy of Rossville Schools