“The last couple of years, I didn’t think our team could get any bigger,” said speech coach Lindey Krug. “But I was proven wrong. We were fortunate to continue working with our veteran team members while adding more at each grade level and the freshman class came out in droves.

“I can’t wait to continue to see them all grow over the next few years.”

Fort Dodge Speech had a strong season competing in Large Group and Individual Speech.

Four Dodger groups earned All-State honors after a large contingent had strong performances at the state level.

During state competition, Fort Dodge received 21 Division I ratings and two Division II ratings.

Students who were selected for All-State either performed in Ames or earned All-State status.

Performing for their short film was AJ Abdurakhamov, Jazmyn Dillard, Tiffany Garber, Leif Hamilton, Logan Hamilton, Owen Hamlow, Parker Hansen, Chris Huselbus, Jocelyn Kahler and Lacey Larson.

Bowie Sanders performed a rendition for Solo Mime.

Sydney Gebers and Michael Wagner were named All-State for their Ensemble Acting.

Abbi Casciato, Emma Connelly, Mina DeJong, Keliah Jensen, Reyna Prado, Simeon Roberts and Alli Utley got the nod for Readers Theatre.

“We had a record year for speech,” said Krug. “We had a wonderful large group contest season. Over 90 students competed in 23 events at the Large Group District Speech Contest. 21 of those qualified for state contest (our highest percentage of qualifiers).

“Four of those events were given the distinction of All-State.”

For individual speech, Fort Dodge received 11 All-State selections, eight of them competing in Cedar Falls.

Over 60 students competed at the state competition, earning 50 Division I ratings and 10 Division II ratings.

“Not only do we have the numbers, the talent is there too,” Krug said. “In fact, I wholeheartedly believe that Fort Dodge is a fine arts town.

“I’ve heard from many people who aren’t native to Fort Dodge that they can’t believe the concentration of talented artists we have in this area.”

Performing at the All-State showcase was Aidan Recker (Radio News Announcing), Alli Utley (Literary Program), Anna Lawrence (Prose), Chloe Balm (Poetry), Grant Behrens (Spontaneous Speaking), Katie Dawson (Radio News Announcing), Mina DeJong (Literary Program),and Owen Hamlow (Public Address).

Earning All-State status were Alexa McHone (Prose), Grant Behrens (Storytelling), and Michael Wagner (Solo Musical Theatre).

“The same can be said for our individual contest season,” Krug said. “We started with 60 events (the most events we’ve taken to district individual contests), performed by 52 students and 50 of those qualified, which was also a record.

“Eleven of those competitors were given the All-State honor, which was also a record.”

Krug was proud of the way the students competed and were able to get better each time out.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my students and my fellow coaches, Amber Rouse and Ashley Fredrick,” Krug said. “It is a grueling schedule to keep up with and they all put their hearts and souls into it.

“I consider myself a very lucky person to have such strong verbal support from parents, administration, alumni (many of whom come back and volunteer coach), and community.”

FDSH Speech Results

Individual Speech

All-State Selections

Performing

Aiden Recker (Radio News Announcing); Alli Utley (Literary Program), Anna Lawrence (Prose); Chloe Balm (Poetry); Grant Behrens (Spontaneous Speaking); Katie Dawson (Radio News Announcing); Mina DeJong (Literary Program); Owen Hamlow (Public Address).

Non-Performing

Alexa McHone (Prose); Grant Behrens (Storytelling); Michael Wagner (Solo Musical Theatre).

Large Group Speech

All-State Selections

Performing

Solo Mime: Bowie Sanders

Short Film: AJ Abdurakhamov, Jazmyn Dillard, Tiffany Garber, Leif Hamilton, Logan Hamilton, Owen Hamlow, Parker Hansen, Chris Huselbus, Jocelyn Kahler, Lacey Larson

Non-Performing

Ensemble Acting: Sydney Gebers, Michael Wagner

Readers Theatre: Abbi Casciato, Emma Connelly, Mina DeJong, Keilah Jensen, Reyna Prado, Simeon Roberts, Alli Utley

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