On March 20-21st thirteen Mercer speakers travelled to the PHSSL State Tournament at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. There were over 700 students representing over 130 school districts. Ten out of the thirteen Mercer speakers advanced into the elimination rounds. Three Mercer speakers won the top prize in their respective categories. Mercer speakers have now won 16 state titles since the program's inception during the 1971-72 season. Prior to last weekend's performances, Mercer had not won a state speech title since 2007.
Adam Hoge and Ryan Hamilton brought home the PHSSL state title in the category of duo interpretation. These two won their event by 8 points over their top rivals from Erie McDowell High School. Their piece was taken from the play "Front Porch Chronicles" by Sydney Ryan. This duo team has now won five tournament championships this season and have qualified to both the Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in May and to the National Speech and Debate Association National Competition scheduled for mid-June in Dallas, TX.
Maddie Rowe brought home the PHSSL state title in the category of prose interpretation. Remarkably, Maddie returned to competing in prose interpretation a month ago after spending most of her 9th grade year in dramatic interpretation. Her piece was taken from the book, Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park. Maddie has placed in the top six at four other tournaments this year. She has qualified to compete in oral interpretation of prose and poetry at the CFL Grand National Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in May. It should also be noted that Maddie Rowe is the first state champion in the prose event to come from Mercer High School.
Two other Mercer speakers placed in the top four in the state in their respective categories.
Rachel Bish was the recipient of the third place honors in informative speaking. Ian Ollila was the recipient of the fourth place honors in humorous interpretation. Both Ian and Rachel have also qualified to the CFL Grand National tournament in Ft. Lauderdale this spring.
Four other Mercer speakers brought home semifinal awards (top 12 in the state) in their categories.
Kendra Walker- dramatic interpretation
Emily Kirila- impromptu speaking
Mary Hogue- extemporaneous speaking
Andrew Brinker- humorous interpretation
One Mercer speaker advanced to the quarterfinal round (top 24 in the state) in her category.
Abby Grabigel- radio announcing
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