Photo Caption: Front row champions: Seanik Gagliardi, Jaylin Diekhoff, and Nick Glisson lead the Panther Speech Team after their winning performances at the Bloomington High School Tournament..
3 Champions, 9 Additional Awards
Panther Speech Roars at Bloomington
By Robert Fang
Published: December 8, 2025
The Delavan Panther Speech Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Bloomington High School Speech Tournament this past weekend, bringing home two varsity tournament championships, a JV championship, and nine additional awards. The team’s success highlights both individual talent and collective dedication as they continue to build momentum this season.
Tournament Champions
- Seanik Gagliardi claimed 1st place in Varsity Poetry for the third consecutive tournament, showcasing remarkable consistency and artistry.
- Nick Glisson earned 1st place in Varsity Original Comedy, impressing judges with sharp wit and timing.
- Jaylyn Diekhoff captured the JV Prose championship, marking a strong showing in the junior division.
Additional Awards
- Izzy Brothwood: 2nd in Varsity Radio Speaking
- Elisha Waggoner: 2nd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 4th in Varsity Prose
- Gwen Tierney: 3rd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 2nd in JV Humorous Interpretation
- Reagan Zeigler & Emma Ross: 4th in JV Dramatic Duet Acting
- Nola Houston & Zoe Minton: 5th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting
- Hayden Koehler: 6th in JV Poetry
- Hayden Koehler & Jaylyn Diekhoff: 8th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting
Looking Ahead
The Panthers’ strong showing at Bloomington reflects the team’s growing reputation for excellence across multiple categories. With three champions and a wide spread of finalists, the squad continues to demonstrate depth and versatility.
The team now turns its focus to the Pekin High School Tournament on Saturday, December 13th, where they aim to build on their success and bring home even more accolades.
Front row champions: Seanik Gagliardi, Jaylin Diekhoff, and Nick Glisson lead the Panther Speech Team after their winning performances at the Bloomington High School Tournament.
3 Champions, 9 Additional Awards
Panther Speech Roars at Bloomington
By Robert Fang
Published: December 8, 2025
The Delavan Panther Speech Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Bloomington High School Speech Tournament this past weekend, bringing home two varsity tournament championships, a JV championship, and nine additional awards. The team’s success highlights both individual talent and collective dedication as they continue to build momentum this season.
Tournament Champions
- Seanik Gagliardi claimed 1st place in Varsity Poetry for the third consecutive tournament, showcasing remarkable consistency and artistry.
- Nick Glisson earned 1st place in Varsity Original Comedy, impressing judges with sharp wit and timing.
- Jaylyn Diekhoff captured the JV Prose championship, marking a strong showing in the junior division.
Additional Awards
- Izzy Brothwood: 2nd in Varsity Radio Speaking
- Elisha Waggoner: 2nd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 4th in Varsity Prose
- Gwen Tierney: 3rd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 2nd in JV Humorous Interpretation
- Reagan Zeigler & Emma Ross: 4th in JV Dramatic Duet Acting
- Nola Houston & Zoe Minton: 5th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting
- Hayden Koehler: 6th in JV Poetry
- Hayden Koehler & Jaylyn Diekhoff: 8th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting
Looking Ahead
The Panthers’ strong showing at Bloomington reflects the team’s growing reputation for excellence across multiple categories. With three champions and a wide spread of finalists, the squad continues to demonstrate depth and versatility.
The team now turns its focus to the Pekin High School Tournament on Saturday, December 13th, where they aim to build on their success and bring home even more accolades.
Robert Fang
Editor / Publisher
Robert Fang is the Editor and Publisher of The Delavan Dispatch. He is a career professional in the newspaper and publishing industries and has been a member of the Delavan community since 2004.
