AHS Large Group Speech Teams Earn Division I Ratings, All-State Honors

Congratulations to the members of the Ankeny High School (AHS) Large Group Speech Team on their outstanding performance at state!  On Saturday, February 2, the team traveled to Waukee High School for the State Large Group Speech Contest.  Twelve groups performed in five different categories (Ensemble Acting, Short Film, Group Improvisation, Readers Theatre, and Musical Theatre) and came away with a total of 10 Division “I” ratings and two Division “II” ratings.  Groups receiving Division “I” ratings included: Ensemble Acting:

• The Rules – Lauren Ceplecha and Brett Bolte
• I Hate Hamlet – Ben Hermann, Brad DePrez and Taylor Millar
• Of Mice and Men – Chandler Smith and Matthew McGill

Musical Theatre

• Ali Henkle, Taylor Millar

Short Film

• War In Love – Kaitlin Peterson, Shelby Vroman, Andrew Richlen, Bryce Smith, Austin Elder, Anna Vozdrohanova, Maddie Noble, Matt Stewart and Cassie Sardeson

Readers Theatre

• Hungry – Ali Henkle, Bri Devin, Kristin DeMondo, Amber Smith and Sophie Burke
• Variations On A Theme: Casey With An Attitude – Brett Bolte, Emily Malcolm, Taylor Poitry, Jade Peterson, Richelle Manuel, John Meyer, Gina Woolsey and Anne Marie Webb

Group Improvisation

• Alicia Park, McKayla Sturtz, Brianna Leonard
• Chandler Smith, Haley Blok, Lauren Ceplecha
• Jordan Bacon, Austin Elder, Mataya Norris, Kelby Halfpop

Additionally, three groups received All-State recognition and will participate in the Large Group All-State Festival, held February 16 at Iowa State University:

• Ensemble Acting -- Of Mice and Men – Chandler Smith and Matthew McGill
  
• Musical Theatre -- Ali Henkle, Taylor Millar
  
• Short Film -- War In Love – Kaitlin Peterson, Shelby Vroman, Andrew Richlin, Bryce Smith, Austin Elder, Anna Vozdrohanova, Maddie Noble, Matt Stewart and Cassie Sardeson

The AHS Large Group Speech team is coached by AHS Drama Director Mr. Cary Shapiro and assisted by Mr. Joe Favia.