Local students qualify for state speech, debate and theater competition

Students from 22 schools competed in the regional speech, debate and theater tournament at Southeast Missouri State University on Friday and Saturday. Regional winners progress to the statewide competition held next month in Columbia, Mo. A team of Jackson High School students will advance with their one-act play "The Devil in Sherman Marsh". Other local state qualifiers include:

Cape Girardeau Central High School: Kelsee Martin and Tony Guidos for cross-examination debate, Quitman McBride III for humorous interpretation and storytelling, Veda Riley for original oratory, Danny McElreath for radio speaking.

Jackson High School: Jessica Stearns for Lincoln-Douglas debate, Holly Bollinger for dramatic interpretation, Lydia Meece for humorous interpretation, Kia Ross for poetry reading, Seth Williams for original oratory, Taylor Poore for storytelling

Zalma High School: Paige Bailey for dramatic interpretation

Jackson and Cape Girardeau also placed first and second respectively for team awards presented by the Department of Communication Studies at Southeast.