Valley students will compete at national competition this weekend

May 23—High school students from three local districts will soon see the big city lights as they head to Chicago to compete in a national speech and debate tournament this weekend.

Students from Shikellamy, Danville and Selinsgrove will compete in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament beginning Friday.

Local students heading to the tournament include Shikellamy's Jace DiPerna, a sophomore, Peyton Wiest, a freshman, Micah Shively, a junior, and Rachel Inch, a senior; Danville's JJ Nichols, Hannah Diehl and Sydney Hackenberg, all sophomores, and freshman Ria Puvvula; as well as Selinsgrove's Hendrix Corbin, Kelsey Persons and Addyson Smith, all sophomores, and junior Quinn Stanford.

Shikellamy Coach Ellen Boyer said her team members have worked diligently throughout the season to perfect their performances, hone their speaking skills and further develop their selections.

"The trip to nationals is a tremendous reward, but it is also a chance to meet other talented students from across the country, experience a new city, engage in outstanding competition, and be inspired to strive for even higher goals in the future," Boyer said. "I am extremely proud of all four of these students who will be representing Shikellamy this weekend."

Similarly, Danville Coach Victoria Fischer said she hopes her team makes the most of their experiences in Chicago.

"Nationals is a great opportunity for students to compete against many unique, talented performances from all over the country, make new friendships, strengthen the bonds with their own team members, and learn more about themselves," Fischer said. "It's my hope that as they are in Chicago, they do all this and enjoy every moment of it."

The national tournament is inspiring not only for students, but for their leaders as well, according to Selinsgrove Coach Brittany Bunting-Specht.

"It is always inspiring for me to witness students, particularly our first-time national competitors, begin to understand the broad network and overall impact of the speech and debate community at a national and professional level," Bunting-Specht said.

Stanford, who placed first in commentary at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League state tournament earlier this year, said he will compete in original oratory at the national level.

"My speech is a rotary second-place winning speech on the importance of the arts classes in public schools," Stanford said. "I highlight band, choir, theater and art throughout the speech."

Stanford said he looks forward to exploring Chicago and is grateful he will even have the chance to see the musical "Beetlejuice" with his teammates.

"I always look forward to the opportunity to travel. The new people, cultures and ideas you meet are great," Stanford said. "I love trying new food, so the different cuisine and styles that central Pa. might not have to offer will be fun to try."