Hickory Creek students excel at IESA speech contest

Hickory Creek Middle School students competed at the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) state speech contest on November 15, 2014 at Manteno Middle School. The students showcased their talents by performing in duets, small group acting and solo events. Fifty-eight students participated, bringing back 54 first place awards and four second place awards.

At its regular February 9 Board of Education meeting, the Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education recognized the students who earned “Judges’ Choice” awards. Principal Dr. Kevin Suchinski congratulated the students and their drama coaches Renee’ Grady, Susan Niendorf and Pam Swierczewski for their great efforts in coaching the students.

The students recognized included Judges’ Choice Winners in the following categories: Regular Duet Acting: Anmarie D’Ortenzio, Sarah Johnson, Lauren Dauber, Anna Jungels, Sara Glass, Ashley Mills, Claire Moutvic, Katie Sunderland, John McMahon and Alec O’Connor; Small Group Acting: Cali Burns, Evan Rafol, and Alyssa Vegter; and Solo Acting: Lauren Dauber.

Drama coach Susan Niendorf stated, “We have 60 to 70 students come out for Drama Club every year and they include athletes, musicians, chorus members and others. We get there and the kids blow everyone away with their talent. They come from great families that support them and it is an awesome experience every year. Thank you.”

The students were awarded certificates of achievement from the Board. Afterwards, student Lauren Dauber performed a skit to highlight solo group acting for Board members, administrators and parents in the audience.