Rhyan Miller, Gianna Benetti, Slyvia Reynolds and Chloe Meacham pose for a photo at the state large group contest. The ensemble received a mixed Division-I rating for their Short Film “A Puritan’s Guide to Catching a Witch.” Photo Courtesy of Jacque Seidl

The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn and Perry Speech Teams performed well at the Iowa High School Speech Association State Large Group Contest, though one group was recognized as one of the best in Iowa.

ADM’s Group Improvisation ensemble of Caleb Klassen, Nick Subbert, Owen Royer and Devin Morey were selected for the All-State Festival. 

Royer talks about the group’s goal before performing at the state contest on February 7 at West Des Moines High School.

“Our group really flows together really well so it was easy to have our dreams high of going to state. And our next goal is hopefully to perform at All-State.”

The ensemble achieved that goal as they will perform in Group Improv at the All-State Festival on February 21 at Iowa State University. 

ADM Speech Coach Jacque Seidl adds that the entire team’s performances were top-notch, even while dealing with illness. She details that the students grew throughout the season and she is proud of their flexibility and growth as speakers.

Seidl details that ADM received 9 straight Division-I ratings, 3 mixed Division-I ratings and 3 overall Division-II ratings. The groups receiving Division-I ratings include Choral Reading, Readers Theatre, Ensemble Acting, Musical Theatre, two Short Films and three Radio News. 

Perry Speech Coach Ashley Webb says the team’s Group Improv ensemble received an overall Division-II rating. The ensemble is made up of seniors and she adds that she is proud of them for all of the time they put into their performances over the past four years.