Storm Lake High to host district speech competition January 24

Storm Lake High School will welcome high school speech and theater groups from across the area on Saturday, January 24, for the Iowa High School Speech Association large-group district competition. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will feature performances and evaluations in large-group acting, musical theatre, readers' theatre, and ensemble pieces.

Large-group district contests are the step that can move successful groups on to substate and state-level IHSSA contests, making Saturday’s performances more than a showcase; they are a gateway to higher-level recognition and competition. Judges will evaluate ensemble work and stagecraft, and school programs will get feedback that can inform future rehearsals and curriculum.

For Buena Vista County residents this is a rare, close-to-home chance to see students pursue arts opportunities that are often concentrated in larger towns. The event brings young performers into the community, fills school auditoriums, and offers parents, grandparents, and neighbors the chance to support public school arts programs without long travel. That local support can be crucial for rural programs that rely on community attendance, volunteer help, and local enthusiasm to keep theater and speech accessible.

There are public health and equity angles for the broader community to consider. Large indoor gatherings provide important social and emotional benefits for teens, including teamwork, confidence building, and safe creative outlets. At the same time, families should balance those benefits with common-sense precautions: if you or your children are feeling unwell, stay home and avoid spreading illness; follow any guidance posted by Storm Lake Schools on venue access and seating; and consider carpooling to reduce transportation barriers for smaller programs that may lack robust funding. Ensuring that students from different backgrounds and neighboring towns can attend and compete without undue cost or travel burden remains a local equity issue.

The district contest is also a community event that can boost local businesses on a winter Saturday and underscore the value of arts education in school budgets and planning. Watching a readers' theatre piece or a musical theatre number can remind voters and school boards why sustained support for speech and theater matters for student development.

Our two cents? Come out early, give these students some well-deserved center stage, and if illness keeps you home, check with the school for ways to show support. Small-town cheers go a long way for young performers heading toward substate and state contests.