Jimena Nunez, Itzel Herrera, Isaac Shuckahosee and Libby Albright react moments after learning they had each qualified as performers to the All-State Speech Festival – Photo by Darvin Graham

South Tama’s Individual Speech team will be well represented at the upcoming Iowa High School All-State Individual Speech Festival.

Five STC students earned all-state qualifications following the state contest performances on March 12. All five will also have the honor of performing their pieces at the festival schedule for Monday, March 28 on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls.

Itzel Herrera and Jimena Nunez qualified as all-state performers for their poetry events. Herrera performed a piece titled “Home” by Warsan Shire and Nunez a piece called “What’s In A Name?” by Jani Rose.

Isaac Shuckahosee qualified as an all-state performer with a Meskwaki storytelling piece titled “Chasing the Bear.”

Luis Avalos and Libby Albright qualified and will return to the all-state festival after earning spots in the All-State Large Group Festival earlier this year as members of the musical theatre team that performed “Bright Star.”

South Tama’s All-State Speech performers include (l-r) Luis Avalos, Libby Albright, Itzel Herrera, Jimena Nunez and Isaac Shuckahosee. The five performers will head to Ames this weekend to perform as part of the Iowa High School All-State Individual Speech Festival. – Photo provided

Avalos was nominated for all-state honors for his prose piece titled “Conception Control” by Pete Malicki, while Albright qualified in literary program with a piece titled “Daddy Issues.”

Avalos, Albright and Herrera were all part of South Tama’s crop of all-state qualifiers to the large group festival that was held in Ames in mid-February.

“Luis, Libby, Itzel, Jimena, and Isaac are all very deserving of this accolade and perfectly exemplify the hard work put into this season,” STC Speech Coach Katie Murphy said. “They each perform with an authenticity and presence that makes me truly proud.”