OLCHS Speech Team Advances To IHSA State Speech Competition

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn Community High School’s storied speech team is headed to the IHSA State Speech competition in Peoria this weekend after capturing the sectional title at the Richards High School Speech Sectional on Saturday.

The Spartan speech team advanced in 12 of 14 individual events and performance in the round in the sectional. Competition begins on Friday, February 17 at the Peoria Civic Center. The state qualifying team includes:

• Melanie Cabrera (second, dramatic interpretation)
• Mariam Chuli (second, humorous interpretation)
• Emma Faucault-Miller (second, oratorical declamation),
• Regional and sectional champion Mikey Mills (first, prose)
• Regional and sectional champion Layla Nemri (first extemporaneous speech, second, special occasion speaking)
• Sectional champion Maya Quinonez (first, poetry, second humorous duet acting), regional and sectional champion Tori Prause (first radio, second impromptu speaking)
• Orlando Ramirez (second humorous duet acting ), and
• Sectional champion Mariana Salazar (first original oratory, third informative speaking).

The team is coached by Matt Capriola and Mike Olsson with assistants Bob Beland, Samantha Elliott, Joe Probst, Elizabeth Swan, Paul Harris, Jonathan McLawhorn, Hanna Harris, Bianca Honeycutt, and Abbey Dayton

“Words can’t quite describe how immensely proud we are of our team,” OLCHS speech coach Mike Olsson said. “Our mantra this year, inspired by the wisdom of a fortune cookie, has been ‘Success is achieved together.’ The team has embodied this mentality the entire season, and their hard work and unity have continued to pay off.”

“Oak Lawn Community High School couldn’t be prouder of the work these students and coaches have put in,” said assistant principal and activities director Marcus Wargin. “This is a team effort that includes not just the competitors advancing to state, but also all their teammates who continue to support their peers throughout the tournament.”

Congratulations, Spartans, and good luck at state.

The Spartan speech team advanced in 12 of 14 individual events and performance in the round in the sectional. Competition begins on Friday, February 17 at the Peoria Civic Center.