The Cary-Grove speech team participated in the 2022 ISHA Speech State Final in Peoria on February 18 and 19. Cary-Grove placed well in the finals after an amazing season in which they won many tournaments, including the regional tournament, along with placing in the top three at four invitational events and placing fourth in sectionals. 

At state, Cary-Grove placed 8th at the theater event Performance in the Round along with earning 9th in Radio Speaking, an event where students prepare and present an original news broadcast. Cary-Grove was awarded 10th place in three events: Oratorical Declamation, an event in which competitors give a presentation that is similar to a TedTalk; Prose, an event where students read and act a story out; and Extemporaneous Speaking, an event where competitors write speeches based around a political topic. Cary-Grove achieved 14th place in Impromptu Speaking, an event where competing students write a speech about a quote. 

Hinsdale South, Downers Grove South, and Wheaton Warrenville South were the three schools whose teams came out on top at the state tournament.

Senior Braden Wall had an “overwhelmingly positive” time on the speech team. He said he enjoys the amount of expression the speech team gives him, where his words can influence and inspire many different crowds of people. Wall’s favorite part of participating in the speech team, though, is the people that he met. 

“My teammates, coaches, and competitors from other schools were always there for me and inspired me to become my best self in both a competitive and personal light,” Wall said.

Sophomore Alexa Snyder said she also had a great experience participating on the team, and called it her safe place.

“[It’s] a place where I could go to forget about my stresses and just have fun,” Snyder said. She said that although the tournaments can be stressful, they are fun to compete in and also interesting when you get to listen to the other speakers. Ultimately, though, Snyder agrees with Wall that her favorite part of the speech team is the people. 

“I know, the cliche answer,” she said. “But truly, the best part of my speech team experience is all the amazing people I have met that have made my days ten times better.”