The thrill of the state speech competition is in the air, and the Highland Speech team is feeling the excitement. They took four events to the district competition, one event advanced to the state competition. Kadin Jepson, Kyle Whestine, and Jacob Allen were a trio who performed their improv situation “The Sky is Falling” and advanced to the state competition. It’ll be in Cedar Rapids Saturday. Highland Speech Coach Jayme Kallaus shared how her team continued to grow and improve throughout the year, “We’ve had our veterans step up and talk about how you do character development, how do you have a beginning, middle and end. There’s no amount of pride that Brian (Haymond) and I can have more of and honestly all the credit goes to them. They got to go out and prepare, they got to listen, and react with each other, and with judges. We’re kind of awe struck with these kids.” Jepson, Whestine, and Allen say they are excited for this weekend and hope to get good situations. For improv, students select from one of three situations given to them, and they have to act out that situation with various characters the students make up.