Malta High School Hosts Speech and Drama Divisional

Just under 100 students from across the state gathered Saturday Jan. 20th, to compete in the Divisional Speech and Drama competition hosted at the Malta High School.

The Team Sweeps at the close of the event were as follows: In the competition for Speech in Class B, Conrad was the winner with 51 pts., followed by Choteau garnishing 19 pts., and Cut Bank claimed 3rd with 12 pts.

The Class B Drama honors were claimed by Lincoln County with 52 pts, 2nd place was Conrad with 50 pts., and Shelby in 3rd with 41 pts.

For Class C Speech – 1st CJI with 45 pts., 2nd Simms, 44 pts., and 3rd Fort Benton with 36 pts.

In Class C Drama 1st was won by Sunburst with 23 pts., and there was a tie between North Star and Hays/Lodge Pole with 12 pts.

Malta's Makayla Tharp took 4th and Karl Johnson took 5th, both competing in Informative category. Both qualified for the State competition which is this Friday, January 26, and Saturday, January 27, in Choteau.

"I am very proud of my kids," Malta Speech and Drama Head Coach Anna LaBrie said. "They're all working quite hard. Super excited to see how they do!"

Also, Malta students Jeslyn McCorkle took 7th, Kyle Mayer took 8th, both in Humorous Oral Interpretation.

Malta Kiwanis provided treats and meals for the judges, including soups that Coach LaBrie called delicious.

"All the judges loved watching the competitors. Rounds all started on time," Coach LaBrie said. Local individuals offering their services for judging the various entries were Lori Bond, Gretchen Boardman, Dan O'Brien, Mike Morser, Heather Ost, Khristie Drabbs, Ronna Holman, Gary Knudsen, Tom LaBrie, Mikayla Huber, Izzy Markuson and Jen Strzelcyk.

Malta Speech and Drama students that qualified for State both shared their enthusiasm for the weekend that just concluded. They also share an anticipation for their upcoming trip to state.

Makayla Tharp, a sophomore, is in her first year of competition. She said, "I really enjoy it, it's been a lot of fun!" She is pleased with her personal growth and being able to share what she has learned.

"Speech has provided me with different opportunities. My self-confidence is improved."

Tharp works several days a week on finessing her presentation. She is focused on the Informative category of the speech entries, and they can choose their own topic. This year her speech has been on mental health.

Tharp said, "Speech gives the choice to choose the topic and express our knowledge about it...to tell others about something that stands out to you."

The daughter of Rhei and Jo Tharp, she stated her parents are "pretty proud" of how well she has done her first year. She said she would encourage others to consider trying out for Malta's Speech and Drama club, stating it has many benefits.

Tharp said she enjoys working with Mrs. LaBrie, that she has done it for quite a while and still enjoys it.

Also heading into State competition is Karl Johnson, who is also a sophomore in high school. However, this is her second year and she is really enjoying it.

Johnson said she got interested in speech because her dad was in it in school as well. Perhaps, it's a family tradition.

Her topic for the speech is Marvel Norse Mythology, which is the same topic her dad, Jeremiah Johnson, presented when he was attending and competing in high school. Her dad lives in Billings.

Johnson said the fun thing about meets is learning about the different schools, stating, "I didn't even know some of these schools existed!"

The category does not require particular attire or costume, "we just need to look professional."

This category is one of practice, practice, practice and presentation. After selecting their topic, they prepare an original speech of less than ten minutes.

These confident young ladies are preparing themselves for the world, for the rest of their lives. Think positive and do your best in Choteau.