On Saturday, Atlantic hosted the District Large Group Speech Contest for the first time in about 10 years. Atlantic was one of the four sites the speech contest took place. The other three are Ballard, Shenandoah and West Des Moines. At least 20 schools travelled to each site. Twenty-three schools came to Atlantic. The competition began at 8 a.m. but the students arrived early at 7 a.m. to prepare.

There are 11 categories in total but Atlantic competed in five: radio broadcasting, ensemble acting, musical theatre, choral reading and solo mime.

The events earning I ratings and are going to state  included all three of the ensemble acting groups: Aaron Rothfusz and Rebeckah Hallman; Alex Williams, Abigail Evans, and Bailey Roland; and Josh McLean, Emily Yager, Will Weppler and Corgan Petersen. The fourth “I” rating was earned by Trinity Zynda for solo mime. Coach Trisha Niceswanger said, “ They will perform in front of three judges at the state level in Waukee on Feb. 6.”

The other students who represented AHS, earning II ratings, were the following: Andrew Rothfusz, Cheyenne Elliott, Lydia Joseph, Max Elwood, Paige Bennett, Rebecca Garcia, Riley Seufert, and Sarah Fixmer.

For some members of the Atlantic speech team the contest was a new and different experience. Sophomore Riley Seufert, two time competitor, said, “I’m kind of confident about what I have done so far, but my goal is to make it to State.” Seufert competed in radio broadcasting along with her teammates Cheyenne Elliott, Andrew Rothfusz and Bailey Roland.

The team was focused and prepared last weekend, said coach Trisha Niceswanger They all wanted to do their best and have fun with their friends. Congratulations to the Atlantic Speech team and their coaches Alex Bales and Trisha Nicewanger.