MARSHALL — This weekend brings together Minnesota’s top performers in high school speech, and a group of Marshall High School students are among the competitors. A total of five MHS students are headed to the state tournament, which is being held today and Saturday in Apple Valley.

Students said this week that they’re excited for the state tournament.

“I am still processing the fact that I get to go to state. It is still unbelievable to me,” said Mansi Bell. Bell will be competing in the prose interpretation category.

“I’m just glad I’m able to get the opportunity and experience even if I don’t place well. I’m looking forward to competing with the best that our state has to offer and to learn how to improve by watching the state champions,” said Naomi Schroeder, who will be competing in drama interpretation.

A total of 14 Marshall Tiger speech students won awards at the Section 2AA tournament on April 9, with five of those students advancing to the state tournament. Competing at state today are Mary Lanoue in humorous interpretation, Mansi Bell in prose interpretation, Lillian Guggisberg and Lydia Weverka in duo interpretation, and Naomi Schroeder in dramatic interpretation.

The Tiger speech team has done well with a group of relatively young students this season, said head coach Katie Jenson.

“A big part of that would be that three years ago we started the C-squad, which included seventh- and eighth-graders. This gave the students an opportunity to start in speech earlier,” and have more chances to build experience, Jenson said. “The other part is the dedication these speechies have shown for the sport. It is impressive that four of the five attending state are sophomores, and one is a junior. Each of these five ladies put in countless hours of practice and deserve this opportunity.”

“My duo partner and I are definitely anxious but mostly excited,” Guggisberg said of going to the state tournament. She will be competing in duo together with Weverka. “I’m happy that we get this experience which will help us in our next season.”

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to compete with so many other talented teens. I am looking forward to seeing some amazing speeches and learning more on how to perfect my craft,” said Lanoue. Lanoue said this will be her first time competing at state. Another factor making the tournament special was that she selected her own material for her humorous speech, she said.

Schroeder and Bell said this will be their first time at the state tournament as well.

“I am excited to compete at such a high level and get to see speakers from all around the state,” Bell said. Bell said she was thankful for her coach Carol Purrington for her work and support over the past three years.

For some MHS students, the speech season doesn’t end with the state tournament. A total of 13 students will be competing at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions on May 12-15. Competing in dramatic interpretation will be Mansi Bell, Lydia Weverka and Naomi Schroeder. Competing in duo interpretation will be Elly Lewis and Cecelia Cordes, and Lilly Guggisberg and Lydia Weverka. Competing in humorous interpretation will be Mary Lanoue, Maddy Van Keulen and Connor Martinson. Competing in original oratory will by Charlotte Pafko, Lilly Guggisberg and Nnenna Onyeaghala.