After capturing the Sectional Title at the Richards Speech Sectional on Saturday, Oak Lawn Community High School is headed to the IHSA State Speech competition in Peoria this weekend. Oak Lawn headed into the Sectional tournament after winning their Regional and advancing all 14 individual events and PIR to the sectional. Now, Oak Lawn Community High School has advanced 12 of those 14 individual events to the State competition. Competition begins on Friday, February 17 at the Peoria Civic Center.
The State qualifying team includes Melanie Cabrera (2nd DI), Mariam Chuli (2nd HI), Emma Faucault-Miller (2nd Dec), regional and sectional champion Mikey Mills (1st Prose), regional and sectional champion Layla Nemri (1st Extemp, 2nd SOS), sectional champion Maya Quinonez (1st Poetry, 2nd HDA), regional and sectional champion Tori Prause (1st Radio, 2nd Imp), Orlando Ramirez (2nd HDA), and sectional champion Mariana Salazar (1st OO, 3rd Info).
The team is coached by Matt Capriola and Mike Olsson with assistants Bob Beland, Samantha Elliott, Joe Probst, Elizabeth Swan, Paul Harris, Jonathan McLawhorn, Hanna Harris, Bianca Honeycutt, and Abbey Dayton.
“Words can’t quite describe how immensely proud we are of our team. Our mantra this year, inspired by the wisdom of a fortune cookie, has been ‘Success is achieved together.’ The team has embodied this mentality the entire season, and their hard work and unity have continued to pay off,” said coach Mike Olsson.
“Oak Lawn Community High School couldn’t be prouder of the work these students and coaches have put in. This is a team effort that includes not just the competitors advancing to state, but also to all their teammates who continue to support their peers throughout the tournament. Congratulations, Spartans and good luck at state!” said Assistant Principal and Activities Director Marcus Wargin.