The Panther Speech Team roared into its season on Saturday, November 15, competing at Olympia High School, taking 2nd place at the tournament, led by the first-place championship finishes by Kylin Brockhouse, Cash Calsyn-Grys, Seanik Gagliardi, and Gwen Tierney.

This year marks the largest team in Delavan history, with 26 students participating across 29 events—a testament to the growing enthusiasm and talent within the program.

Speech events are divided into varsity and junior varsity categories, with first- and second-year competitors eligible for both, while third- and fourth-year students compete exclusively in varsity. The Panthers made their presence known in both divisions, earning placements that reflect months of preparation and dedication.

Junior Varsity Highlights:

• Gwen Tierney: 1st in Special Occasion Speaking (SOS)
• Cameron Connel & Embree McWhorter: 2nd in Humorous Duet Acting (HDA)
• Emma Ross & Reagan Ziegler: 2nd in Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA)
• Hayden Koehler: 3rd in Poetry (POE)
• Lauren Saylor: 6th in Radio Speaking (RS)

Varsity Highlights:

• Kylin Brockhouse: 1st in Original Oratory (OO)
• Cash Caslyn-Grys: 1st in Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
• Seanik Gagliardi: 1st in Poetry (POE)
• Nola Houston & Zoe Minton: 2nd in Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA)
• Nick Glisson: 3rd in Original Comedy (OC)
• Gwen Tierney: 3rd in Humorous Interpretation (HI)
• Jaylyn Diekhoff & Hayden Koehler: 4th in Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA)
• Elisha Waggoner: 4th in Special Occasion Speaking (SOS)
• Remy Martin: 5th in Special Occasion Speaking (SOS)
• Georgia Dickerson: 6th in Oratorical Declamation (DEC)
• Isaac Meeker: 7th in Extemporaneous Speaking (EXTEMP)
• Hailey Wade: 7th in Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
• Nola Houston & Zoe Minton: 8th in Humorous Duet Acting (HDA)

With these impressive results, the Panthers secured 2nd place in the tournament overall, earning a total of 205 points. The team now sets its sights on Richwoods High School, where they’ll compete next Saturday.

Beyond rankings and ribbons, speech is a gateway to lifelong skills and connections. It’s a community where students challenge themselves and each other, building confidence, empathy, and eloquence. Alumni of speech programs have gone on to become journalists, educators, Broadway performers, SNL cast members, senators, ambassadors, and even Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The journey from practicing in front of a wall to standing on national stages is real—and it starts with weekends like this.

To the Panther Speech Team: keep your eye contact strong, your hair untouched during rounds, and your hearts open to new friendships. The world of speech is stressful, exhilarating, and transformative. One day, we may see your names among the notable alumni of the National Speech and Debate Association. Until then, Delavan is proud to cheer you on.

Here’s to early bus rides, late award ceremonies, and the power of your voices.