Students from the Pella and Pella Christian High Schools will be competing at the State Large Group Speech Contest Saturday. Pella Christian will send 31 students competing in the Reader’s Theatre, Choral Reading, One-Act Play and Ensemble Acting categories. Speech Coach Marlo Van Peursem says he’s been impressed by the progress the students have made this year.

“They have really proven themselves. We lost a lot of very talented seniors last year,” said Van Peursem. “Over the summer last year I said ‘well, it’ll be a growing year,’ and they have certainly grown and proven themselves and I am very impressed with the quality of their work.”

Pella High School is sending a total of 42 students to the State competition that will also participate in the Reader’s Theatre, Choral Reading and Ensemble Acting categories; along with Musical Theatre, Group Improvisation and Radio Broadcasting.

Coach Suzi Jones says it will be tough to make All-State, but says she and the students are looking forward to competing.
A contest entry must receive Division One ratings from all of the judges, along with a recommendation to earn “All-State” honors. The Large Group State Speech Competition is being held at Linn-Mar High School in Marion.