Columbus speech and drama teams finish first, third in Belfry

The Columbus speech team took the top prize last weekend, winning the speech sweeps at Saturday’s meet in Belfry.

The drama team also competed well, finishing in third place. There were 10 schools at the meet.

All 15 Cougars competing in Belfry earned a place in finals, and they all finished within the top eight of their respective events.

Leading the speech team were Susan Carrel and Josiah Forseth, each with first place finishes. Carrel competes in dramatic oral interpretation, and Forseth is in spontaneous oral interpretation.

The team also had two second place finishers – Adrian Cook, in impromptu speaking, and Akira Castanon, in dramatic oral interpretation. Finishing third were McKayla Valdez in informative speaking and Kolton Gladney in memorized public address.

Heather Richardson finished fourth in impromptu speaking, and Jacob Jones earned fifth place in humorous oral interpretation. Also placing well were Shelby Knudsen (sixth in humorous oral interpretation), Garrick Connor (seventh in humorous oral interpretation), and Lana Summers (eighth in dramatic oral interpretation).

The drama team’s third place finish was led by Coleson Grewell and Leslie Richardson, with second and third place finishes in dramatic solo, respectively.

Both humorous solo participants also placed well – Shadlynn Summers finished fourth and Kadie Flemetis earned sixth.

The Cougar speech and drama team will be on the road again this weekend, competing this Saturday in Roundup.