Smith qualifies for state speech meet

The New Prague High School Speech Team competed in the Section 1AA Tournament in Northfield Tuesday, April 8. Freshman Madeliene Smith took first in her category of creative expression, qualifying her for state competition.

Sixteen students on the local team faced stiff competition in thirteen categories from forensic powerhouses such as Lakeville North and Prior Lake. Those schools took first and second place in the team awards.

The New Prague High School Speech Team has not sent a competitor to the state event since 2005. Smith wrote her eight-minute speech on a voodoo princess named Sheba who is trying to free her people from slavery in the late 1800s, delivering the speech as Sheba with a Jamaican accent. She will compete at the state Saturday, April 19, at South St. Paul High School.

Smith is the daughter of Larry and Robin Smith of Elko New Market.

Other members of the NPHS speech team were Kaycee Bucher, Vicci Fehling, Jayson Wolf, Meghan Otto, Zoelly Farmer, Shelbie Farmer, Mary Richard, Becky Soberg, Stef Lange, Neal Gysland, Jordan Friendshuh, T.J. Hodapp, Kari Berens, Katelin Weiers, Kelsey Weiers and Amy Harvey.

The team was coached by Carrie DeValk, who teaches at New Prague High School.