Wayland Academy Speech Team Headed to State

Formerly known as Forensics, the Speech team welcomed several new members this year while also building on the experience of returning students. Competitors explored several new categories, including Storytelling, Oratory, and Oral Interpretation of Literature, in addition to longtime team favorites such as Informative and Expository Speaking, Radio Speaking, Special Occasion Speaking, Play Acting, and Solo Humorous Speaking.

The team achieved several honors this year, including earning the title of 2026 Trailways North Conference Champions.

“It was truly an exciting season, and the whole team did a stellar job,” said coaches Amy Throndsen and Beth Ratajczak. “We could not be more proud of what they accomplished.”

Wayland will be represented at state by the following students:

• Emme Stoehr `28 – Expository Speaking

• Daniel Brunstad `27 – Informative Speaking

• Kennedy Norris `26 – Prose

• Madyson DeWitt `28 – Prose

• Sylvan Becraft `29 – Prose

• Khushi Jhamb `27 – Radio Speaking

• Ellie Sinclair `28 – Special Occasion

• Clarissa Comer `28 – Special Occasion

• Genesis Garcia-Ruiz `26 – Storytelling

The team’s state qualifiers reflect the depth and versatility of this year’s group, which found success across a wide range of speaking and performance categories.