The Independence Junior High speech team in Palos Heights claimed 22 awards at the Illinois Elementary School Association state meet on Nov. 9, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. The team earned 15 Division I ratings, two Division II ratings, and five Judges’ Choice honors, cementing its status as a leader in public speaking.
Coach Pamela Peters described the Judges’ Choice honors as a “significant honor,” noting that the recognition comes after judges evaluate performances all day. “For them to select our students as the best they saw speaks volumes about their talent and dedication,” she said.
The November meet marked the culmination of months of preparation. The students practiced several times a week, perfecting their delivery, inflection, and gestures while exploring themes of resilience, justice, and personal growth. Among the standout performances, Danny Daly earned Division I ratings in both Impromptu and Prose for Life in the Hot Seat: A 911 Dispatcher, a piece about the challenges of making a difference during crises. River Wolynia and Isabella Mosqueda received Division I ratings in Poetry for pieces on overcoming verbal abuse and fighting injustices faced by immigrants, respectively.
Gracie Krainas secured a Division I rating for her interpretation of Tara Westover’s Educated, while Kareem Taiwo earned a Division I rating and Judges’ Choice honor for a declamation exploring the evolving human brain. Ella Brouwer inspired young women to pursue engineering with her Judges’ Choice-winning declamation, and Lexie Facko highlighted the importance of seeing children beyond their disabilities through her award-winning prose. Olivia Kasmer delivered a Judges’ Choice performance in Declamation, emphasizing the value of learning from mistakes.
Other notable performances included Christian Sbiera, who received a Division II rating in Impromptu, and Evan Kantas, who examined the costs of social media for a Division II award in Declamation. Peters praised the team’s professionalism, including their choice to wear coordinated suits. “The kids told me afterward, ‘Now we understand why you wanted us to dress like this—it was empowering,’” she said.
For Peters, returning to coaching after taking time off to care for her late mother made this season deeply personal. “This team has inspired me in ways I can’t even describe,” she said. “They’ve reminded me why I love teaching and coaching.”
Looking ahead to their next competition in March, the team’s enthusiasm remains high. “I just love speech,” said Anica Robards, a Division I and Judges’ Choice winner. “I can’t wait to do it in high school.”
For Peters and her students, the experience is about more than trophies. “Speech isn’t just about winning,” Peters said. “It’s about growth, community, and life skills that last forever.”
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