Last weekend, the Stillwater Area speech team had a historic day at the MSHSL State AA Speech Tournament! The team placed fifth, which is its best showing at the tournament. Six students made state finals, doubling the previous school record of three, set in 2022. Erica Bartkey is the school's first ever State Speech champion, taking home the title in Extemporaneous Reading! Joining her on the awards stage were Marit Hickey (fourth in Informative), Ava Roots (fifth in Extemporaneous Speaking), Lucy Wilcek (seventh in Discussion), Stella McHugh (seventh in Great Speeches), and Faith Wilhelmy (eighth in Creative Expression).

The weekend was busy beyond just the State Tournament as well! We had seven students compete at the final qualifying tournament for a chance to compete at the NSDA National Tournament in Phoenix! Four students (Ella Begnaud, Emilyn Troup, Isaac Montufar, and Makayla Duffy Wightman) advanced to elimination rounds! Isaac finished in the top group of over 150 students from the best programs in the country to earn his spot at nationals!