-Photo provided

Members of the Meskwaki Settlement School large group speech program qualified for the All-State speech competition and were scheduled to take part in group improvisation in Ames, last Saturday, Feb. 20. Pictured are, from left: Marley Whitefish, Danielle Seymour, Abby Iron Shell and Tracie Kapayou. This is the first group at the Meskwaki Settlement School to qualify for All-State in speech, said English teacher and coach Brian Murphy. He noted the group is comprised solely of freshmen. Upon hearing the news, “I was really thrilled,” he said. “They far exceeded our expectations as freshmen. … It’s a good sign for the program to come.” Eighteen students are involved with the large group speech program at Meskwaki Settlement School, Murphy said. Cyndi Wanatee also coaches speech at the Meskwaki Settlement School. Watch for an update on their state speech day in Ames.