Public Speaking? For Fun?

Speech. Here at Waukee High School, it’s a class required to graduate. For some, though, it’s also an extracurricular. Students from all over the state participate in a variety of events for both Large Group (LG) and Individual (IE) events via the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA). It’s because of this variety that draws in so many students every year, many of whom come back year after year. One such student is senior Noah Duff, who stated his motivation for returning every year, “The people and how fun it is.” It isn’t just students who return annually though, like Waukee High School’s ‘Head Honcho’ for speech; Mrs. Pleggenkuhle. Mrs. Pleggenkuhle has taught a wide array of events over her years as a speech coach. This year, she stated she was coaching, “Reader’s Theatre [and] TV news.”

Like many other extracurriculars, there are many things people look forward to during the season. From going to the All-State Festival, expanding their skills, or even just trying something new, people look forward to a variety of things, which also help motivate them to join. Sophomore Emma Howg stated, “I want to learn how to collaborate with others and understand how to be expressive.” Many students join with the desire to learn, grow, and see their efforts pay off. Coaches get to witness this growth firsthand, like Mrs. Pleggenkuhle, who stated, “[I like] the growth students show in the course of the season.”

There are many opportunities for students and their families to come and watch IHSSA events. Contests are also a great way for groups to get feedback on their events and grow. The best opportunities for students at Waukee High School to come watch are the Speech showcase, an event for groups to perform in front of an audience before the District Contest, on Tuesday, January 21, starting at 6:45 in the auditorium, and the State Contest on February 8, which Waukee High School is hosting.