JACKSON WINS TOP HONORS AT DISTRICT SPEECH TOURNAMENT

Jackson High School took first place honors in the Sweepstakes of the Southeast Missouri Speech and Debate District competition held March 27 and 28 at Southeast Missouri State University.

Jackson competed against 22 schools in the contest. Second place went to Hillsboro and third place to Poplar Bluff.

Winners in competition categories will advance to state competition April 24 and 25 in Columbia.

Winners in competition categories:

One Act Play: First place, "Scooter Thomas Makes it to the Top of the World," Poplar Bluff; second place, "The Actor's Nightmare," DeSoto.

Readers Theater: First place, "Faith Country," DeSoto.

Cross Examination Debate: First place, Travis Partney and Brian Schuette, Hillsboro.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: First place, Stan Baughn, Jackson; second place, Andrew Luehrs, Jackson.

Duet Acting: First place, Chris Richardson and Danny Seawel, Poplar Bluff; second place, Nick Clubb and Shannon Felker, Cape Central; third place Jennifer Weindel and Carrie Flesh, DeSoto.

Dramatic Interpretation: First place, Christina Shaw, Scott City; second place, Cabell Gathman, Jackson.

Extemporaneous Speaking: First place, Nisha Shah, Cape Central; second place Brian Schuette, Hillsboro; third place, Andrew Luehrs, Jackson.

Humorous Interpretation: First place, Mattie Taylor, Dexter; second place, Aaron Schaper, Hillsboro; third place, Brandt Roberts, Kennett.

Poetry Reading: First place, Liz Schumaker, Scott City; second place, Adrienne Collins, Sikeston; third place, Eric Van Turner Weaver, Kennett.

Prose Reading: First place, Christina Shaw, Scott City; second place, Cabell Gathman, Jackson; third place Jennifer Gottschalk, Hillsboro.

Original Oratory: First place, Nisha Shaw, Cape Central; second place, Helen Wilbanks, Jackson; third place, Amanda Hastings, Poplar Bluff.

Radio Speaking: First place, Champ Friend, Cape Central; second place, Susie Johnson, DeSoto; third place, Melinda Bill, Jackson.

Storytelling: First place, Josh Zinner, Jackson; second place Jennifer Bell, Kennett; third place Julia Schwent, Herculaneum.