Wheeling Park Speech, Debate Team Runs State Title Streak to 44
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WHEELING -- Wheeling Park High School's legendary speech and debate team brought home its 44th consecutive state championship this weekend.
The Patriots extended their unbelievable streak at this weekend's state tournament at West Virginia University in Morgantown, buoyed by eight individual state championships.
Individual champions include Ciera Faulstick, first place poetry interpretation and prose interpretation; Grant Kenamond first place Lincoln-Douglas Debate, top speaker Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Katelyn Smith, first place public forum debate, top public forum speaker; Rylin Russell, first place public forum debate; Chloe Humway, first place, informative speaking; Danielle Daugherty, first place humorous/dramatic interpretation; Jerome Maynard, Jr., first place declamation; Levi Powell, first place oral Interpretation of literature; and Addison Perks, first place original oratory.
This year's coaches include Kayla Nelson, Isabella Droginske and Jen Mathieu.
Ohio County Schools officials showered the team with praise following the win.
"I could not be more proud of those kids," said Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller. "They are so intelligent, so well-rounded.
"There's a long line of history and a lot of pressure on those kids. And they certainly rose to the occasion. It's unbelievable to win for that many years. It's awesome."
WPHS Principal Meredith Dailer also expressed pride in the team.
"It continues to dominate, and we're so excited for them to bring home another state championship," she said. "Every year, they are under more and more pressure and they continue to deliver."
Ohio County Board of Education President Andy Garber also couldn't help but gush.
"I am so proud of this team's accomplishments," he said. "They continue to amaze us with their dedication and resolve. The 44th consecutive seasons of championships is unheard of. This could not have been possible without the guidance, support, and expertise of the coaches who help the students prepare and fine-tune their presentations.
"All of Ohio County is proud of its shining star. Simply the best!"
All individual place winners are as follows:
– Ciera Faulstick, 1st place Poetry Interpretation; 1st place Prose Interpretation
– Grant Kenamond, 1st Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Top Speaker Lincoln-Douglas Debate, 3rd place Congressional Debate
– Katelyn Smith, 1st place Public Forum Debate, Top Public Forum Speaker
– Rylin Russell, 1st Public Forum Debate; 2nd place Congressional Debate
– Chloe Humway, 1st Informative Speaking; 4th Prose Interpretation
– Danielle Daugherty, 1st place Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation
– Jerome Maynard, Jr., 1st place Declamation
– Levi Powell, 1st Oral Interpretation of Literature
– Taylor Andrews, 6th place Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation
– Carter Bauer, 3rd place Informative Speaking
– Addy Bommer, 5th place Broadcasting
– Anna Contraguerro, 2nd place Oral Interpretation of Literature; 3rd place Declamation
– Josephine Gilbert, 5th place Public Forum Debate
– Cash Givens, 5th place Extemporaneous Speaking
– Morgan Graski, 5th place Public Forum Debate
– Kelsey Holeczy, 4th place Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation; 3rd place Original Oratory
– Alice Joseph, 6th place Congressional Debate
– Julia Kelly, 2nd place Programme Oral Interpretation
– MacKenzie Kret, 6th place Public Forum Debate
– Anisa Loving, 6th place Broadcasting
– Taylor Miller, 4th place SPAR Debate
– Maliah Miskiewicz, 2nd place Duo Interpretation; 2nd place Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation
– Grace Mull, 4th place Poetry Interpretation; 5th place Prose Interpretation
– Addison Perks, 1st place Original Oratory, 2nd place Duo Interpretation; 6th place Prose Interpretation
– Grace Robertson-Villamagna, 2nd place Informative Speaking; 3rd place Programme Oral Interpretation
– Jana Schodzinski, 2nd place Poetry Interpretation; 2nd place Extemporaneous Speaking
– Landen Smeltz, 5th place Original Oratory; 3rd place Impromptu Speaking
– Alexandra Tennant, 6th place Public Forum Debate
– Josaphine Vosvick, 2nd place Broadcasting
– Bridget Zoeckler, 2nd place SPAR Debate
Additional team members were Ariauna Friend, Cameron Fullerton, Mia Castellucci, Alexander Fabrizio, Tastara Lightbourn, Will Medovic, Ava Norman and Evan Stingle.