CCMS Speech Team Places 4th in KHSSL State Tournament

Calloway County Middle School's speech team finished fourth overall in the middle school division at the Kentucky High School Speech League State Tournament on February 22nd in Lexington. The team finished fourth in the state in 2024 and second in the state in 2023.

Amanda Ezinma was named the overall state champion in the declamation category and finished fifth in oratory. Three other Lakers qualified as state finalists, including Andrew Dunnaway finishing second in the state in storytelling. Hayden Gilbert finished sixth in impromptu, and Liberty Fitch placed sixth in oratory.

The team had seven semi-finalists finishing in the top 12 in Kentucky. Semi-finalists were Kensley Hutson in declamation, Andrew Dunnaway and Willow Howland in duo, Ally Turner in impromptu and poetry, Amanda Ezinma in impromptu, Meghan Scott-Duncan in poetry, and McKenna Hopgood in prose.

Five entries made qualified for the quarterfinals, placing in the top 24 in the state. Those entries include Kensley Hutson in broadcasting, Liberty Fitch in broadcasting, Hayden Gilbert and Meghan-Scott Duncan in improvisational duo, Andrew Dunnaway and Lilah Hill in improvisational duo, and McKenna Hopgood in poetry.

Students contributing to the overall team score also include Collin Naber, Emma Hixson, Zoree Whitley, Madelyn Tudor, Leah Hughes, Lorynn Russell, Madison Purdy, Ethan Pervine, and McKinley Marshall.