Speech Team Wins 3rd Consecutive State Title

by Linda Langford

The Avon Speech Team captured the 3A State Championship for the third year in a row.

This was truly a full team accomplishment, with 37 students earning qualification at State through their sectional placement. At the state tournament, 35 Avon students advanced through quarterfinals, 20 advanced through semifinals, and 12 competed in the final competition rounds. We are proud of the incredible work, talent, and determination shown by the entire team.

A special congratulations to the following students who placed in the top six in the State of their events:

6th Place

Andrew Onochie — US Extemporaneous

5th Place

Jay Desai — Original Oratory
Harmony Omoshewo — Informative Speaking

4th Place

Sam Johnson — Humorous Interpretation
Idowu Adeleke — Informative Speaking
Santiago Jimenez — International Extemporaneous

2nd Place

Santiago Jimenez — Impromptu
Jonathan Landu — Prose
Doyin Akande — Program Oral Interpretation

State Champions

Nancy Orogun — Informative Speaking
Janani Devendran — US Extemporaneous
Doyin Akande — Poetry

We are also especially proud of Nancy Orogun, who received the ISSDA Hawker Mental Attitude Award, which honors an Indiana senior competing in speech who has excelled in speech competitions, academics, and leadership throughout that senior's high school career.

A huge thank you to our AHS assistant coaches: Julie Dutcher, Alex Leon, Katy Oresko, Derricc Smith, Lauren Tauer, and Will Wortman.

The team is also supported by five coaches who were former speech and debate competitors and willingly give their time to coach specific events on our team: Larry Alcorn, Chris Bond, Greg Johnson, Mike Langford, and Kim Woodward.

Thank you to the Avon administration and our parent community. This championship reflects not only outstanding individual performances but also the teamwork, commitment, and heart of this entire program.