It was likely the last Iowa High School-sponsored activity held in the entire state, and with it, several Pella and Pella Christian speech students were able to be recognized for their efforts.

While the Iowa High School Speech Association cancelled the 2020 Individual State Speech Competition and All-State Festival due to COVID-19, schools were briefly given the option to hire their own IHSSA certified judges and have performers showcase their performances — and both Pella Community and Pella Christian were able to get organized just before all activities were suspended, and later cancelled.

Performance by Pella’s Ella Van Zee:

The following students from Pella and Pella Christian earned Individual All-State Nominations:

Pella High School:
Meridith Rowe – Solo Musical Theater (2019 and 2020 All-State nominee)
Sarah Linde – Original Oratory
Maggie Leach – After Dinner (2019 and 2020 All-State nominee)
Hanna Kendall – Prose (2018 and 2020 All-State nominee)
Josephine McDonald – Poetry (9th grade team)
Elaine Schippers – Poetry
Ella Van Zee – Storytelling
Liam Peffers – Lit. Program

Pella Christian High School:
Emily Van Beek – After Dinner Speaking and Storytelling
Trent Van Gilst – Storytelling (2019 and 2020 All-State nominee)
Leah Osborn–Lit Program

Hear more from some of the Pella High School nominees on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.