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ALL THINGS SPEECH
- Lili Nandell
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Group Speech
The 2026 Speech season has been quite the ride. Not only has Clear Creek Amana High School hosted State Group Speech earlier in the season, but there have been countless spotlights for recognition this year.
To begin this year with energy, the Speech team hosted a showcase night on January 15th, 2026 for Group speech members to perform what they’ve been working on. Starting the night with comedic short films such as Be My Baby with Colin Root, Abby Ardnt, Brynnley Fuller, Kenzie Dinnel, and Jaslyn Brandt to bone chilling performances like Civil War with Carson Brandt, Nic Shieltz, Logan Weber, Ryan Kruse, Devon Choun, Kaylen Schilling, Tate Riggan, and Oliver Petrulevich, showcase turned out wonderfully. It was also an opportunity to honor the senior Speech members who have come a long way. Come WaMac, CCA earned awards in Musical Theater (Nunsense performed by Hayden Bailey, Sariah Sherman, Mackenzie Burnett, Jaidyn Calkins, Morgan Downes, Makayla Ratliff, Scarlett Brecht, and Ally Schumacher in 2nd Place and Civil War in 3rd), Group Mime (Witches Brew by Cody Sherlock, Ella Stineman and Lizy Ruby in 1st and The One that Got Away by Rose Peihl, Jaslyn Brandt and Brynnley Fuller in 2nd place), Solo Mime (Letter from the Battle of Verdun by Rose Piehl in 2nd and Memory Box: The Untold Stories by Cody Sherlock in 3rd), Short Film (Be my Baby in 3rd), Improv (Tessa Mulder, Oliver Petrulevich and Elijah Thompson’s group in 2nd), Ensemble (Modus Operandi by Abby Ardnt, Kalli York, Kenzie Dinnel and Brooklyn Meritan in 3rd. In the end, the CCA Speech team won WaMac as a team. January 24, 2026 marked District Group Speech where the majority of the Speech team moved onto State Speech on February 7th, 2026. Rather than traveling though, CCA had the opportunity to host, turning out to be a chaotic but engaging experience for the community. Hosting was a perfect opportunity for many to volunteer as timekeepers, doorspersons, and ballot runners along with classroom deconstruction and reconstruction. Finishing the season off, The Girl From West Virginia performed by Hayden Bailey, Kaylen Schilling, Devon Choun, Mackenzie Burnett, Carson Brandt, Nicholas Shieltz, Logan Weber, Morgan Downes, Mya Emick, Sariah Sherman, Ally Schumacher, Ryan Kruse, and Addy Hill, Rituals performed by Tate Riggan, Sasha Robinson, Scarlett Brecht, Improv groups with Tessa Mulder, Oliver Petrulicich, Elijah Thompson and with Henry Davidson and Odin Hankins, Solo Mime Letter from the Battle of Verdun, and Civil War made it to All-State in the performing categories and Nunsense in the non-performing category. With this, they performed on February 21, 2026. Special Shout out to all of the freshmen who participated as well as Be My Baby for receiving an overall 1.
The Girl From West Virginia was a tale about Jessica Lynch, a former US Solider. From each beautiful rendition of Country Roads to the rippling echoes during the bombing scene, this group was always in perfect harmony and unison. Each movement was intentional, really making you feel like you’re in the moment with them.
Rituals was a hard hitter emotionally. It was a short peek into the complex life of two parents who lost their son in a school shooting. Robinson and Schumacher acted this out so thoughtfully. Riggan’s character only adds to the emotion by trying to remain neutral. Each of them did a wonderful job.
Mulder, Petrulevich, and Thompson play off of each other seamlessly - you wouldn’t even guess that they had 5 minutes to prepare their performances. Depending on the scene or prompt, there’s two of them being unhinged and one of them grounding the scene. As a whole, they’re a well rounded group who can bring the room to laughter.
Davidson and Hankins are easily one of the most comedic duos. Over the performing part of the season, there has been at least one instance each of them picking the other up. The way that they can play very different but dramatic characters and have them interact in such a funny way is genius.
The Letter from The Battle of Verdun is a story of sorrow and war. Each of Rose’s actions were precise and graceful, representing the tragedy of a soldier's last moments. This mime goes so far beyond what people believe mime is, truly pulling at the heartstrings.
Civil War is another tale of war. It’s so catchy while showing the raw, harsh reality of young men fighting senselessly. Each one of the boy’s voices were strong and worked with the others well. The composition of the fighting scene was incredible to watch with the back and forth of it all.
Nunsense was one heck of a good time. It was just so fun to watch with each of the nuns having their own personalities. The way they stepped in a circle together was so smooth, just as the rest of the dancing was. I’d also like to say that Morgan Downes did incredible with that solo in ‘Holier than thou’.
Individual Speech
Shortly after Group Speech, Individual Speech started with WaMac on February 23, 2026. While at Benton for WaMac, our Individual Speech team won Second place overall with Odin Hankins getting 1st in Radio Broadcasting, Henry Davidson getting 2nd in Improv and 3rd in Reviewing, Tessa Mulder getting 2nd in Public Address and 3rd in Original Oratory, Mackenzie Burnett getting 2nd in Musical Theater, Zhang Chen getting 3rd in Spontaneous Speaking, Lili Nandell getting 1st in Original Oratory, Cody Sherlock getting 2nd in Videocasting and Sasha Robinson getting 1st in Acting. Remaining strong, at districts on February 28, 2026 almost every participant received a 1 and moved onto state. At state on March 14, 2026 there were many who received all 1s, including Lili Nandell (Original Oratory), Tessa Mulder (Public Address), Sasha Robinson (Acting), Henry Davidson (Reviewing), Mackenzie Burnett(Musical Theater), Cody Sherlock (Videocasting) and Kaylen Schilling(Musical Theater). Performers Tessa Mulder (Original Oratory), Henry Davidson (Improv) and Rose Piehl (Lit Program and Improv) all moved on to All-State in their categories ending off the great season on March 30, 2026.
Mulder’s Original Oratory about striving for perfectionism rings true for many students, including myself. ‘The Art of Imperfection’ is a speech from the heart for the students that have struggled with high standards, whether that be from others or themselves. It’s meant to let the audience know that it’s okay to not be perfect and if anything, it makes you, you.
Davidson’s Improvs are always hilarious. His ability to piece together the characters and prompts is a talent. Not to mention how exaggerated and entertaining his characters are. Coach Chrissy Berlin also added that “his story consistently progresses. He doesn’t stall out and always has a plan. You’re never lost watching him.”
Rose’s Literature Program was about war and martyrdom. She took pieces War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, The Devil Reached Toward The Sky by Garret M Graph, In Flanders field by John MacCrae and Dulce Et Decorum by Wilfred Owens. Berlin stated that “Rose's ability to weave together multiple pieces of literature with passion and expert pacing is incredible.” She also added that Rose “draws you in and makes you want more.” Along with Lit Program, Piehl partook in Improv, to which Belin had to say “Roses Improv is good at being quirky and unique yet relatable at the same time.”
It’s sad to see the end, as it is every year, but the memories carry on. As a senior Speech member myself I’m going to miss it. However, I look forward to seeing new students come into the scene. If you happen to be interested in joining, the season starts around December for Group and January for Individual. Reach out to Chrissy Berlin, John Petrazelka or Jacob Halter if you're interested!
