CCS qualifies four for state speech

Four performances by Chase County speech participants have qualified for Thursday’s State Speech Meet.
Andrew Wiest qualified in three events, placing first in serious, third in humorous and as a member of the second-place OID team.
George Colton’s entertainment speech qualified with a first-place finish and Colton also is a member of the OID team that also includes Zach Herbert and Kevin Dannatt.
Wiest performs “Dustin” by Leo Cannon in serious.
Coach Alex Schilke said Wiest has worked hard to find a strong sense of understanding with his main character, Dustin.
“His physicality and emotional depth draw a view into his performance,” Schilke added.
In humorous, Wiest puts his spin on Jack Bauer in ”24: The Ultimate Script” by Dave Berry.
“Andrew showcases his outstanding vocal variety talent and physical comedy. Andrew’s interpretation of each character’s voice and characterization make you laugh out loud,” Schilke said.
Colton wrote his own entertainment speech, Terrible Trimmings, which Schilke said is well-developed and hilarious entertainment.
Colton works his way through the haircut experiences a kid may go through growing up, including crooked bangs after a haircut by mom and a first visit the barber.
“His play on words, combined with his hilarious visual aids and antics, grab an audience’s attention from the get-go,” Schilke said.
The Oral Interpretation of Drama team performs “The Loathsome Lady” by Jim and Jane Jefferies.
“The magic of the OID is just how well George, Zach, Kevin, and Andrew work together,” Schilke said.
The group has listened to suggestions by Schilke and fellow coach Peyton Rowley and have helped each other build their characters. Schilke says the group is made up of hard workers who put in the time and want to do well.
Jasmine Johnson also placed at the meet, earning sixth in entertainment.
CCS finished fifth as a team in the C1-6 district that was held at Wallace along side the D2-5 district.
Schilke credited Wallace for running the meet well.
“The wait at the end was a little tedious, but it is always anxiety-inducing to see if we have any qualifiers,” she added.
Wiest, Colton and Herbert are also members of the CCS Quiz Bowl team that will compete Wednesday at Southwest. Schilke and Rowley will pick them up from Bartley and the contingent will spend the night in Kearney before competing Thursday.
Each event will be performed three times in the prelims, beginning at 8:30 a.m. CT, with the hope of reaching finals at 3:30 p.m. CT.