The Speech, Drama, and Debate season is nearing its conclusion, with divisionals and state events now behind us. While many students have wrapped up their competitive seasons, others are preparing for National Qualifiers.
This year’s National Qualifiers will be held on February 14 and 15. This meet is very important for the students qualifying because it opens the door to the national competition which will be held June 15-20 in Des Moines, Iowa. Last year two students qualified for nationals, one of whom is current senior Matthew Melin.
This year’s divisionals, held on January 25, featured an outstanding performance from the Park High Speech, Drama, and Debate team. Every participant earned a placement, with Ripley Cunningham and Matthew Melin taking top honors. Cunningham clinched first place in Expository Speaking (EXP), while Melin triumphed in a fiercely competitive category, Humorous Interpretation. Melin shared his thoughts on the season, saying, “I’ve definitely felt myself improve and I have also seen that in my placing. From barely placing freshman year, and this year my lowest placing was second aside from state.”
The team continued their impressive performance at the state competition, hosted by Laurel on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Junior Isla Vermillion earned a hard-earned second place in humorous interpretation during divisionals.
Cunningham had a memorable state tournament, placing fourth in EXP despite battling a stomach bug the night before the semi-final and finals rounds. “I was quite sick. I had been running a fever the day before state and had a really hoarse voice,” Cunningham said. “It was a little bit difficult to speak, but I did my best, and I was honestly surprised that I made it to finals.” Despite the illness, Cunningham’s dedication paid off as she advanced to the finals and ultimately placed.
Melin and Cunningham have been part of the Speech, Drama, and Debate team since their freshman year. Melin has completed all four years of high school, while Cunningham has competed in three (she missed her junior year due to an exchange program in Denmark).
As the season draws to a close, the Park High Speech, Drama, and Debate team reflects on a year of hard work, perseverance, and incredible achievements. With divisional and state events behind them, the team is proud of the growth and dedication displayed by every participant. As they look forward to National Qualifiers and beyond, one thing is clear: the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and excellence will continue to define this remarkable group of students.