KMS speech team sends two competitors on to Sections at Speech Subsections

KMS Schools came away from Saturday’s Speech Subsections in Minneota with two advancing performances, as Eva Barrett placed fourth in Original Oratory and Katie Van Heuveln finished fifth in Extemporaneous Reading to earn spots in the Section competition. The regional meet featured members of the Fighting Saints Co-ed Speech & Debate Team competing across multiple categories, with Barrett, Van Heuveln and Harley Steffensen representing KMS.

The tournament was held April 11 Minneota High School. Barrett, a senior, competed in Original Oratory and delivered one of the team’s top finishes of the day with her fourth-place result. Van Heuveln, an eighth grader, added another qualifier for KMS by placing fifth in Extemporaneous Reading. Their finishes secured the team’s key advancement results from the subsection round.

KMS also received a contribution from freshman Harley Steffensen, who competed in Humorous Interpretation. While no final placing was provided for Steffensen, her appearance gave the Fighting Saints representation in a third event and rounded out a small but active group at the meet. With students from grades eight, nine and 12 in the lineup, KMS showed range across both experience levels and speaking styles.

Next up for KMS, Barrett and Van Heuveln will compete at Sections on April 18 in Redwood. After advancing through Subsections, the Fighting Saints will now look to carry that momentum into the next round with two entries still alive in the postseason.