DGS Speech earned state runner-up at the IHSA Speech State Finals on Feb. 21 and 22. With several students placing in their respective events, they were able to secure the second place title.

Senior Juliana Conyer placed second in Original Oratory and fourth place in Impromptu Speaking at state. She explained the type of commitment that is needed to be on the speech team.

“We practice more than most teams in the state, five times a week along with tournaments over the weekend…it is the same type of commitment as a sport, and your speech skills are like a muscle and if you don’t practice them they will go away,” Conyer said.

English teacher and speech head coach Justin Matkovich felt confident in the team going into the state tournament and was proud of the results.

“While our program has a history of success, I never go into state focused on winning. My focus is always on the students…I had confidence in the team and was not surprised to see their success at the state tournament,” Matkovich said.

Matkovich has future hopes for the speech team and is looking forward to continuing the DGS Speech legacy.

“With strong leadership and young talent, the future of the DGS speech team looks bright as ever,” Matkovich said.