EPS Speech Team Preparing for Debut
While walking through the halls of EPS these days, you just never know what you might experience. Quite possibly, you may find yourself being robbed at fingerpoint, saved by a superhero, or attacked by a giant squid. It is also highly likely that you may implicate yourself as a “mane” witness in the murder trial of Humpty Dumpty. You may even be invited as a guest on a zany talk show filled with some enraged fairy tale figures from your childhood. But don’t be alarmed, as you really are in no danger . . . you are simply in the midst of speech season!
After graduating a whole host of speech experience last year, the EPS Speech Team has reloaded with many talented newcomers. Under the direction of co-coaches Jessie Reestman and Stacy Shumake-Henn, the team has been busy practicing during every spare moment in order to prepare for rapidly approaching meets.
Senior letter winner Danny Smith (Duet and OID) is joined by classmates Cody Currah (Humorous Prose) and Ryan Meis (OID). Junior members include Ashlyn DeWald (OID and Persuasive Speaking) and Juliana Dunn (Duet and OID). Sophomores Ivy Prater (Duet and OID), Hunter Thramer (OID and Serious Prose), Bailey Carpenter (OID), and Allison Koenig (OID) and Freshmen Tyler Smith (OID and Entertainment Speaking), Christopher Bush (OID), Lisa Dohmen (Humorous Prose), and Ethan Fischer (Duet) round out the team.
This year’s competitions include the Cedar Rapids Invite on Wednesday, February 1, the Lindsay Holy Family Meet on Friday, February 10, and the Pope John Invitational on Saturday, February 25. This year’s NVC meet will be at Stuart on Monday, Febuary 27. Districts will be held at Ewing on Wednesday, March 14.
The coaches have been thrilled with the progress of the team members. Daily, they have been inspired by all of the new talent, as well as the willingness of all team members to go outside their comfort zones and try new things.
Best of luck on a fun and fabulous season, Speechsters!






























