Jocelyn Billheimer’17 & Performance in the Round Members Earn State Champion Honors
Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Marian Catholic Speech Team once again put on a phenomenal performance at the IHSA State Finals in Peoria on Saturday, February 2, 2016. Junior Jocelyn Billheimer (Country Club Hills) and ten members of the Performance in the Round program were crowned champions in their respective category. After a successful season, the Spartans were crowned champions at the IHSA Regional tournament and placed second at the IHSA Sectional tournament. The Marian Catholic Speech Team continued their success and proudly producing two IHSA State Champions.
It was bitter sweet for Junior Jocelyn Billheimer who took home a second place medal in Special Occasion Speaking at the 2015 IHSA State Championship. Jocelyn bounced back and made sure she wasn’t leaving Peoria without her first place honor in this category. “Our students soared to new heights this past weekend and it made me very proud to be a part of Marian Catholic,” said Mark Donaway, Marian Catholic Speech Director. This is the second consecutive year Jocelyn received the honor of an IHSA State Champion. Last year Jocelyn received first place in the Informative Speaking category. Donaway went on to say, “Competing on the IHSA level is very difficult, but Marian Catholic Speech proved they have what it takes to become champions, they walked the walk.”
Joining Jocelyn as champions were members of the Performance in the Round, who put on a stellar act. After placing second at the Regional competition ‘We Band of Brothers’ finished up their season with amazing performances at Sectionals and the IHSA State Championship, where they were crowned champions of both.
The 2016 state meet marked the 76th annual edition of the state final and the seventh year that the Peoria Civic Center has hosted the event.
