Didn't Old Man Winter realize it's Speech season?

You gotta hand it to these kids. They have missed valuable rehearsal time due weather and whatnots, they experienced delays in getting their scripts delivered, they have had to balance their rehearsal times with sports, jobs, and school, and yet they still made a terrific showing at District Large Group! Their hard word, dedication, and self-motivation earned three groups a I (One) rating, 6 groups an honorable II rating, and one group an honorable III rating. A I rating is dependent upon so many things: group chemistry, having the right piece/material, dedication, desire, and commitment, TIME, memorization when required, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE (which, of course, is dependent on time). Our students are pulled in so many directions, which is one of the things that makes them such a diverse, strong, vibrant, and multi-talented group of kids. Between sports, schoolwork, chores at home, jobs, college courses and preparation – how do they ever find the time to rehearse for speech? Well, sometimes they do not. But when they DO find the time, they make as best use of it as they can. They can be pretty creative when they are doing something they love. Their hearts really are in everything they do, and I hope they are as proud of themselves as I am of them.

One group in particular – Kelsey S., Mackaye S., Mckenzie A., Paige D., and Cassidy C. performing a scene and musical number from “Fiddler on the Roof” – deserves a Medal of Honor for having survived one…how shall I put this….not-so-nice judge. This particular judge certainly had the criticism part down, but I am not so sure about the constructive part. Part of giving good constructive criticism is balancing it with positive feedback. Those girls – my heart swells with pride and admiration as I write this – stood there and took it as best as anyone could imagine. Even the audience was squirming, most of us blushing if not close to inciting a riot. It must also be recognized that they put together (with Ms. Rudolph’s help and expertise) a wonderful performance in a very short amount of time. They were less disheartened by their II rating than they were about the experience in front of that judge. No matter what the result, every student who participates in a speech event should leave that room feeling proud, confident, and reflective. Oh well – it wouldn’t be a day of dramatic performances without some drama!

I am also unofficially giving a I rating to:

Mrs. Johnson, without whom no one would ever know what to do or where to go. I should have listened to her suggestion for Readers Theater!! She has more insight into
this performance stuff than she gives herself credit for.

…. and to

Ms. Rudolph, without whom the musical number would NOT have happened, the right forms would not have been filled out or sent in on time, and without whom my job would be that much more difficult.

I am humbled by their knowledge and efforts!

Groups with a I rating:

Michaela S., Caitlin P., and Alex M. in “Starlets in Training”
Angela A., Cassidy C., and Caitlin P. in “The Secrets of Success”
Gage R. and Tyler E. – group improv

Congratulations to everyone. Onwards to Individual Events!