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The JBS High School Speech team, comprised of one senior (Victoria Short) and three juniors (Jesse Yeary, Sadie Haigler, and Bridgett Howard), is advancing on to KHSSL State competition held each March at Western Kentucky University. The team competed at the Danville/Boyle “Firsts and Foremosts Swing,” the Lafayette “Thelma Beeler Invitational,” and at the North Oldham/Trinity High School Swing, as well as the Regional Tournament held at Knott County Central High School. Coach Karen Bailey and Senior Speech Captain Tori Short have worked with both the High School team and Middle School team in selection of pieces, practices, and team spirit.

Captain Tori Short is being commended for her hard work and dedication over the past four years of her speech career. She has competed in prose, oratory, and poetry, while advancing to state each year through both invitational and regional performances. Recently recognized as a WYMT Student Achiever, Tori also dedicates her time to a plethora of activities. She has performed in a variety of ALC/JBS drama productions, taken voice and piano lessons.  She is also currently a member of the ALC choir, The Voices of Appalachia. Tori will be attending Transylvania University this upcoming fall, where she will major in Psychology and minor in music and theatre.  She will be greatly missed by her entire JBS Speech family!

Jesse Yeary has been on the team for the past three years and has competed in prose. Additionally, Jesse has performed in numerous ALC/JBS productions directed by college professor, Megan Burnett.  These have included “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Jesse placed as runner-up at Regionals this year with his prose piece, “The Truck Stop Incident.”

Bridgett Howard, a first year competitor at JBS doubles in both Duo Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation and has a promising future as a senior next year.  Sadie Haigler has competed in both Improvisational Duo and Duo Interpretation over the past two years, while also participating in several extracurricular activities such as piano, guitar, and voice lessons. Sadie and Bridgett advanced to State in Improvisational Duo.