Washington High School sends two to All-State Speech

WASHINGTON — Two Washington High School Speech students will head to All-State Monday, March 27 after the whole team earned division I ratings at state contest over the weekend.

Senior Molly Klinzman will perform her literary program about shootings in America and sophomore Rita Du will perform her energetic musical theater number.

“It took me a while to come up with my theme,” Klinzman said.

To create a Literary Program students select poetry and literary pieces with a common theme and perform them in a manner that interprets the material.

“I wanted to pick something that I was passionate about and that I could find material for,” Klinsman said. “Eventually I settled on the topic of violence in American culture, which is something I felt I could speak about in an observatory manner.”

Klinzman’s program titled “Shots Ring Out” consists of poetry from Gershon Wolf, Rodrigo Toscano, Caren Kurtsinger, and Brian Bilston.

She also included excerpts from school shooting survival stories, news articles, and statistical articles.

Klinzman commonly spends upwards of five hours a week practicing her speech performances.

In addition to her all-state nominated literary program, Klinzman also earned a division I rating for her storying telling of “Quackling.”

“When I received ones I was shocked,” Klinzman said of her state contest rating. “It felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off and I could take a minute to breathe.”

“That’s one thing nobody really talks about in speech; how stressful the gap between your performance and receiving your scores can be,” she said.

“When I learned I was going to All State the first thing I did was tell my parents,” Klinzman described. “They have watched each of my pieces every night for the past month and are easily my biggest supporters. All State is such an honor, and I could barely believe I was going again.”

Only a few months ago Kilnzman’s large group speech one act play received a non-performing nomination for all-state, and last year, she performed a storytelling.

“I felt a surge of intense joy upon receiving all ones for my performance,” Solo musical theater all-state performer Du said. “I had already felt satisfied coming out of my act, as it was the best I’ve ever performed it, yet, but it was validating to know I received a score which reflected my efforts.”

“I picked this song from a selection of songs in a playlist I created,” Du said. “It was one of many that both suited my voice type, soprano, and my performing style. I usually prefer more upbeat songs and ones I feel I can relate to more.”

“I was very excited when I saw my All-State performing nomination” she said. “Although I had speculated a potential selection from the notes my judges left, I wasn’t completely certain if I’d make it. It was an intense wait, but I was thoroughly surprised and ecstatic with the actual results! I am wonderfully exhilarated for All-State!”

“Although I cannot say I’m a runaway fiancée like my song’s protagonist, Claire, I do know how it feels to be emotionally anxious,” Du explained. “I personally feel connected to the character I portray in ‘Gotta Get Out’ because her frantic and sporadic nature much resembles mine in a fit of anxiety. Knowing my own experiences helped better capture the emotions I wanted to present.”

Du said that choreography played a part in her decision-making.

“After consulting one of my speech coaches, Mr. Runaas, we agreed that this song would be the best option, as we could see a lot of potential choreography choices,” Du added.

Jon Runaas is currently the high school choir director in addition to his role as a speech coach.

“My most notable bits of choreography come from Mr. Runaas, who showed examples of what I can do while still being restricted to a chair,” she said. “The reverse plank, taxi run blocking, and upside down notions all come from his visions.”

“It was a surprise to me that I could still sing so clearly whilst lying on my back and upside down!” Du shared. “He also provided helpful advice on the importance of facial emotions, especially for this song.”

Klinzman and Du’s fellow speech teammates also received division I ratings at state contest.

Freshman Quintyn Garibay performed an after dinner speech about avoiding death by a serial killer.

Sophomore Quincy Griffis also received her division I ratings in after dinner speaking. She performed a speech which asked her audience to throw a birthday party for a nuisance neighborhood raccoon.

Maya Bruty, also a freshman, performed a review of the Wingfeather Saga.

Freshman Luna Morris performed a selection of Shel Silverstein poems about childhood.

Senior Keegan Colby received his division I rating from his performance of “Where I Want to Be” from the musical Chess.

Both Klinzman and Du will perform their pieces at the All-State Showcase at the University of Northern Iowa Monday, March 27 with the support of their team and coaches.

The Washington High School Speech team is coached by John Petrzelka, Jon Runaas, Brett Pierson, and AnnaMarie Ward.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com