ADM speech students pose for a photo during the Iowa High School Speech Association District Large Group Speech Contest on January 24, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Jacque Seidl

Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School students had a successful day at a district speech competition on Saturday.

ADM had 65 students competing in 18 events during the Iowa High School Speech Association District Large Group Speech Contest at Creston. ADM Speech Coach Jacque Seidl says of the school’s 18 entries, 15 advanced to state with Division-I ratings.

She adds that the speech team is made up of a strong balance of veterans and newcomers. Seidl details that they received some great feedback from the district judges and they will use the next two weeks to get their performances ready for the state competition, which will be held on Saturday, February 7 at West Des Moines Valley High School.

Find a full list of entries advancing to the state large group contest below.

Reader’s Theatre: “All Summer in a Day”

Choral Reading: The Show Must Go On

9th Choral Reading: Please Please the Bees

Improv: Subbert/Klassen

Improv: Deitrick/Hysell

Improv: Zeigler/Horgen

Short Film: Boxing Boy

Short Film: Mission Pickles

Short Film: A Puritan’s Guide to Catching a Witch

Radio News: Internet Hoaxes

Radio News: Paws, Claws, and Historical Flaws

Radio News: Caught on Camera

9th Radio News: Are People from Florida Really as Mad as a Hatter?

Musical Theatre: Band Geeks

Ensemble Acting: The Scrunchie