Speech Results from PHSSL State Speech Tournament

The Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) held its 55th Annual State Tournament on April 8th and April 9th at Susquehanna University. There were more than 725 student participants, representing 130 school districts across Pennsylvania. All competitors that reached the State Tournament advanced through regional qualifying tournaments back in February. In total, there were 16 students who represented Mercer High School at the competition this past weekend.

STATE CHAMPION
Kate Shaffer (10th grade) placed first out of 76 competitors in the Impromptu speaking event. This makes Kate the 17th state speech champion and the first state winner in this category from Mercer High School.

THREE SPEAKERS PLACED AS STATE FINALISTS
Andrew Brinker (10th grade) placed 3rd in humorous interpretation
Rose Gigliotti (10th grade) placed 5th in commentary
Cole McDuffie (9th grade) placed 5th in informative speaking

SEVEN SPEAKERS ADVANCED TO SEMIFINALS
Janalyn Miklas (12th grade) placed in the top 12 in dramatic interpretation
Elizabeth Ludwig (11th grade) placed in the top 12 in persuasive speaking
Emily Kirila (11th grade) placed in the top 12 in persuasive speaking
Caleb Miklas (9th grade) place in the top 12 in poetry interpretation
Ryan Hamilton (12th grade) and Maddie Rowe (10th grade) placed in the top 12 in duo interpretation
Mason Borowicz (10th grade) placed in the top 12 in humorous interpretation

FOUR SPEAKERS ADVANCED TO TOP 24
Abby Grabigel (11th grade) placed in the top 24 in radio announcing
Evan Daugherty (10th grade) placed 14th  in poetry interpretation
Rachel Bish (11th grade) placed 14th in informative speaking
Mary Hogue (10th grade) placed 14th in extemporaneous speaking