Photo: Contributed
Sophia Soo, an East Ridge High School junior, won third place in the Minnesota State High School League Speech Tournament.
Soo competed in storytelling, one of the interpretive events in speech competitions. The National Speech and Debate Association describes it this way, “Storytelling’s focus tends to be on the entertainment, fun, and creativity of childhood stories brought to life. Storytelling performances are the Disney movies of the speech and debate world: fun, lovable, and entertaining pieces enjoyed by all ages.”
At each of the meets through the season Sophia and her competitors chose a story from three choices off this list and were judged on their ability to creatively tell the story in seven minutes.
Soo earned her trip to the state tournament with multiple wins over the season and at district finals. She was joined at the tournament in Shakopee by other Woodbury high school students:
East Ridge High School
Rishi Raichur | Extemporaneous Speaking
Shahad Odowa | Original Oratory
Jacob Tamrat | Original Oratory
Math and Science Academy
Maame Akua Adabor | Original Oratory
Amanda Dsouza | Serious Interpretation-Drama
Stillwater Area High School
Makayla Duffy-Wightman | Extemporaneous Reading
Sophia Amundgaard | Extemporaneous Speaking
Coolsjes Singhvi | Original Oratory
Cole Nuss | Serious Interpretation-Poetry
Mio Irako Olson | Extemporaneous Reading
Adil Ansari | Serious Interpretation-Drama
Woodbury High School
Chloe Sun | Serious Interpretation-Prose