Montezuma speech students earn “1” ratings at state competition

​Members of the Montezuma Speech Group Improv perform a skit during rehearsal night on Saturday, Jan. 16. Pictured are, from front left, counter clockwise: Aly Gunderson, Haley Roorda, Lexi Ferneau and Kiara Bru. Not pictured is Jacob Facile. The Group Improv was one of five groups to earn “1” ratings at state on Saturday, Feb. 6.

   On Saturday, Feb. 6 Montezuma speech students and coaches traveled to the state large group competition where three judges viewed, commented, and rated their performances.  At the completion of Montezuma's performances, all received ratings of 1 from all three judges. As is tradition, Montezuma community members and families traveled and supported the students and were greatly entertained. 
   State competition is typically held at a large high school where all of the schools from a quadrant of the state meet and perform in multiple centers but this year small contests were held in person and virtually.  Montezuma traveled to Tri-County and performed in one time block and then headed home.
   Coach Liesel Roorda said it was the shortest state contest day in her memory, but extremely successful.
 “The Musical Theater teams worked incredibly hard this season tackling challenging choreography and difficult harmonies,” added coach Kelly Kaup. “The Improv team showed impressive teamwork making the audience laugh through their original storyline. Each team's hard work led them to a well-deserved “I” rating from each judge.”
   Congratulations to the following groups and performers:
 Freshmen Musical Theatre (Little Mermaid): Lily Shoemaker, Faith Ferry, Isabella Roorda, Camryn Brennan, Madison VanZee, Lydia Singleton, Kaya Latcham 
  Musical Theatre (Little Women): Maddy Fleming, Ashlyn Huff, Haley Roorda, Tia Shaffer
  Ensemble Acting (The Importance of Being Ernest): Kaleah Shoemaker, Miah Foubert, Peter Roberts
  Group Improv: Jacob Facile, Kiara Bru, Haley Roorda, Aly Gunderson, Lexi Ferneau 
  Musical Theatre (Annie): Brayden Stockman, Kiara Bru, Kaleah Shoemaker