Tim Connors
Mya Ortiz (far right) waits to hear how she placed in the state final round of Poetry during the IHSA State Speech Finals
Mya Ortiz placed 5th in Special Occasion Speaking and 4th in Poetry during the IHSA Speech State Finals in Peoria, Ill. on Feb. 23.
“It’s really a crazy feeling,” Ortiz said. “You put in so much work for speech and you actually get there and it is a crazy feeling.”
Ortiz placed 2nd in Poetry and was the Sectional Champion in Special Occasion Speaking at the Freeport High School Speech Sectionals. Students need to be top three to qualify for the state series.
“Making state is a really overwhelming experience because you don’t know if you will actually place,” Ortiz said.
“I felt really proud, so proud it is indescribable,” Assistant Speech Coach Jena Kleindl said. “She has worked really hard and it was awesome to see her succeed.”
Ortiz hopes to compete for speech at the college level after graduating this May.