FDSH Sends 17 Groups to State Speech - from The Messenger
Lindey Krug is amazed at what her group of Fort Dodge Senior High School students have accomplished.
Fort Dodge competed at 22 events in the district large group speech contest two weeks ago.
After all of the performances, the Dodgers received 17 Division I and five Division II ratings.
The Division I groups advance to the state large group competition today in Le Mars.
"Clearly, Ms. Rouse and I are dedicated to this program and these kids,'' said Krug, a teacher who coaches the speech students. "We wouldn't spend as much time and energy if we didn't believe in the mission of the Iowa High School Speech Association and the benefit the students receive from being a part of it.
"We continue to be amazed and proud of what our students can and are willing to do."
The speech season is divided into large group and individual competitions.
"In Large Group, students can participate in a number of group events like group improvisation, group mime, ensemble acting or musical theater,'' Krug said. "There are 11 to choose from in all.
"Our students have their favorites, of course, but we tend to take at least one group in every category. In Individual Events, students can choose from 14 different categories like Poetry Interpretation, Storytelling, After Dinner Speaking or Radio News Announcing."
The speech groups spend a lot of time working on their acts and enjoy showcasing their talent.
"Students start signing up for their preferences in October,'' Krug said. "My assistant coach, Amber Rouse, and I sift through those requests and put together groups based on a variety of criteria. Then we look at when students are available to rehearse and build a rehearsal schedule from that which starts after Thanksgiving break.
"These students will spend one to two hours a week with a coach rehearsing for about six weeks before we attend our first contest. Depending on the ratings students receive will determine whether they move on to the next level of competition."
