Local

Marian Earns 2nd Speech State Title In Two Years


Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– For the second straight year, Marian Catholic brought home an IHSA state championship from the Individual Events state tournament, as its Performance in the Round edged out Oak Lawn and Belleville West for tops in Illinois . Michelle Pritchett ’07 won the state championship for Radio Speaking last year.

Marian Catholic High School ’s Speech team advanced two entries to the IHSA state meet at Neuqua Valley High School , represented by freshman Joseph Wlos in Extemporaneous Speaking as well.

“The Marian students embraced the Performance in the Round with outstanding, touching performances at the state meet,” praised Coach Mark Donaway , who was assisted by Tom Sweeney . “Marian received seven first-place votes from a panel of eight judges, which was a state record. Many coaches from across the state said Marian has changed PIR in the state of Illinois forever.”

The Performance in the Round entry, Lovers by Brian Friel, earned a second-place in the Oak Lawn Sectional Tournament. The group includes seniors Jim Slawnikowski, Mike Friar and Mike Losos, juniors Julie Zielinski, Mary Jones and Paul Obbagy, and sophomores Ali Schwieger, Jaime Patriarca, Jonathan Williamsen, Kate Bryzgalski, Sam Kirschenheiter and Tony Vaughn.

Wlos earned a third place at the Oak Lawn Sectional to garner his state bid.


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