After a terrific showing at the District Contest in Goose Lake, the Lone Tree Lions Individual Speech Team saw 12 members advance to state. They will now perform at the Iowa High School Speech Association’s Individual Events State Contest on Saturday, March 11.

Seven seniors led the way for the Lions, receiving Division 1 ratings and earning a state appearance. They are Jadin Grieser for Spontaneous Speaking and Improvisational Acting, Oliver Altenhofen for Improvisational Acting, Ella Buser for Poetry, Andrew Hotz for Radio News Broadcasting, Mitchell Koedam for Spontaneous Speaking, Emma Slaughter for Radio News Broadcasting, and Ethan Willoz for After Dinner Speaking.

Juniors Katie McCarty and William Rockafellow will also be performing at state. McCarty earned two Division 1 ratings for After Dinner Speaking and Solo Musical Theatre, while Rockafellow advanced for Improvisational Acting.

Three sophomores complete the group of state-bound Lions. Sami Branson will perform Poetry and Acting, Cate Sexton for Literary Program and Storytelling, and Alex Dautremont for Storytelling.

This year’s State Contest will be held on Saturday at North Scott High School in Eldridge. There, students will compete for a chance to perform at the All-State Festival in Cedar Falls.