LG
Group Mime - "Stranded in Silence" - Nick Bakeberg and Micah Broers
IE
Original Oratory - Riley Peterson
Original Oratory - Bailey Gill
After Dinner Speaking - Theo Trimble
Storytelling - Greta Tilberg
LG
Group Improv - Jenna Morris & Ryder Mullally (Critics Choice recipient)
TV News “The School News That Goes Wrong” - Luke Larson, Addy Haack, Theo Trimble, Alejandro Hernandez, Hunter Mullally, & Zoey Jeppesen
IE
Acting - Isabel Crosgrove
After Dinner Speaking - Isabel Crosgrove
Expository Address - Katelyn Koster
Prose - Megan Brennan
Radio News Announcing - Luke Larson
Solo Musical Theater - Cambrie Ludwigs
Solo Musical Theater - Kemper Bowden
LG
TV News "KLON" - Luke Larson & Riley Peterson
Group Mime "Tears of a Clown" - Abigail Tilberg & Greta Tilberg
Ensemble Acting "Pickles" - Isabel Crosgrove & Riley Peterson
IE
After Dinner Speaking - Ryder Mullally
Improvisational Acting - Isabel Crosgrove
Improvisational Acting - Luke Larson
Original Oratory - Abigail Tilberg
Original Oratory - Jatzumy Castillo
Prose - Addison Haack
Radio News Announcing - Luke Larson
IE
Acting - Trinity Brunsting
Expository Address - Hannah Albrecht
Radio News Announcing - Luke Larson
LG
Choral Reading “How Johnny Became a Pirate” - Seth Albers, Laila Archer, Sam Bowen, Emma Brennan, Michael Brennan, Kylee Britt, Stacie Heitritter, Alex Meier, Brody Ohm, and Jade Oswald
Ensemble Acting “Words, Words, Words” - Mason Gengler, Logan Gerdes, and Jack McInnis
Group Improv “The Cowboys” - Seth Albers, Michael Brennan, Aaron Hauser, and Alex Meier
Musical Theater “The Story of Tonight” - Bailey Goodman, Aaron Hauser, Jack McInnis, Caroline Meis, Brody Ohm, and Adriane Stamer-Fuentes
Short Film “The Note” - Sean Kayser, Jaden Kneip, Liam Parks, Joe Rosener, and Evan Schroeder
Solo Mime “Show Choir Audition Shenanigans” - Adriane Stamer-Fuentes
IE
Acting - Trinity Brunsting
Improvisational Acting - Ellie Clark
Literary Program - Bailey Goodman
Poetry - Mitzully Morales
Public Address - Bailey Goodman
Solo Musical Theater - Jack McInnis
Solo Musical Theater - Adriane Stamer-Fuentes
LG
Choral Reading “The Serpent’s Tale” - Seth Albers, Kara Albrecht, Haley Bogh, Michael Brennan, Josiah Gonzalez, Bailey Goodman, MacKenzee Hardyk, Kaitelin Konz, Katelyn McShane, Brody Ohm, Jade Oswald, and Paige Washburn
Group Mime “Dorothy’s Adventure” - Chloe Calhoun, Emily Carlson, Madison Olmstead, Hailey Plueger, Caleb Slattery, and Adriane Stamer-Fuentes
Group Improv “2.5 Thespians” - Emily Chihak, Westin Friedrich, and Brooke Loutsch
Musical Theater “The Start of a Moment” - Bailey Goodman, Devon Feenstra, Aaron Hauser, Jack McInnis, Caroline Meis, Sarah Meis, Brody Ohm, and Vanessa Richter
Solo Mime “Adventures in Reading” - Hannah Rivera
IE
Acting - Hailey Plueger
Acting - Alex Stamer-Fuentes
Literary Program - Kiley Allen
Poetry - Seth Albers
Prose - Naomi Kinney
Public Address - Bailey Goodman
Solo Musical Theater - Jack McInnis
Storytelling - Naomi Kinney
LG
Group Mime “Hansel and Gretel” - Chloe Calhoun, Westin Friedrich, Arianna Grant, Brooke Loutsch, Keegan Pippett, and Hailey Plueger
Musical Theater “Rumors” - Harlie Bates, Arlinna Bowen, Alyannah Buhman, Devon Feenstra, Dalton Glawe, Jack McInnis, Keegan Pippett, and Caitlin Sudtelgte
Radio Broadcasting “KTXD” - Xander Carver, Tucker Heeren, Drake Oswald, and Kevin VanOtterloo
IE
Acting - Dalton Glawe
Expository Address - Chloe Calhoun
Improvisational Acting - Joey DeBoer
Radio News Announcing - Kara Albrecht
Spontaneous Speaking - Joey DeBoer
Storytelling - Naomi Kinney
Storytelling - Keegan Pippett
LG
Group Improv - Morgan Boehme, Kody Koerselman, and Noah Watson
Group Mime “Cinderella” - Regan Albers, Sarah Benton, Arianna Grant, Jack Loutsch, and Hailey Plueger
Musical Theater “Hello/I am Africa” - Kyle Dunn, Devon Feenstra, Dalton Glawe, Keegan Pippett, Max Hardyk, Andrew Tonner, and Caden Washburn
Radio News “KWXT” - Xander Carver, Tucker Heeren, and Kevin VanOtterloo
Readers Theater “How to Succeed in High School without Really Trying” - Edward Aguiano, Kimberly Arreola, Andrea Barrett, Chloe Evans, Elizabeth Ihrke, Naomi Kinney, Kody Koerselman, Summer LaPato, Faith Laskie, Olivia McQuillen, Sarah Meis, Drake Oswald, Jason Pottebaum, and Caitlin Sudtelgte
IE
Improvisational Acting - Caden Washburn
Prose - Max Hardyk
Spontaneous Speaking - Joey DeBoer
Storytelling - Angela Conover
LG
Ensemble Acting “Captive Audience” - Cole Berkenpas, Morgan Boehme, Megan Connor, and Madelyn Johnson
Group Improv - Morgan Boehme, Kody Koerselman, and Noah Watson
Group Improv - Tressa Hunter, Jack Loutsch, and Madisen Parker
Group Mime “Adventure on Voodoo Island” - Regan Albers, Sarah Benton, Arianna Grant, Brittany Lambert, and Jack Loutsch
Musical Theater “The Schuyler Sisters” - Andrea Barrett, Megan Connor, and Alex Pick
IE
Acting - Megan Connor
After Dinner - Cole Berkenpas
After Dinner - Madelyn Johnson
After Dinner - Mika Wilhus
Improvisational Acting - Caden Washburn
Original Oratory - Kajsa Hallberg
Prose - Max Hardyk
Radio News Announcing - Caden Washburn
Solo Musical Theater - Megan Connor
Spontaneous Speaking - Joey DeBoer
Storytelling - Cole Berkenpas
Storytelling - Alex Pick
LG
Ensemble Acting “Soap Opera” - Charlie Ellis, Dominic Loutsch, Alex Pick, and Maria Renken
Group Improv - Morgan Boehme, Kody Koerselman, Madisen Parker, and Maria Renken
Radio Broadcasting “KTECH” - Glen Clark and Jacob Byer
Readers Theater “Three Fractured Pigs” - Jeff Ahlers, Cole Berkenpas, Charlie Ellis, Chloe Evans, Kajsa Hallberg, Jocelyn Hernandez, Elizabeth Ihrke, Madelyn Johnson, Kody Koerselman, Summer LaPato, Diana Loutsch, Dominic Loutsch, Caitlyn Niehus, and Shannon Robbins
Short Film “A Second Chance” - Madison Boehme, Taylor Beach, Jacob Byer, Glen Clark, Erin Koonce, Ashleigh Pederson, Ryan Vandevegte, and Kyle Zenk
IE
Acting - Maria Renken
After Dinner - Cole Berkenpas
After Dinner - Madelyn Johnson
After Dinner - Maria Renken
Improvisational Acting - Caden Washburn
Original Oratory - Charlie Ellis
Original Oratory - Caitlyn Niehus
Prose - Cole Berkenpas
Prose - Max Hardyk
Public Address - Shannon Robbins
Reviewing - Diana Loutsch
Solo Musical Theater - Megan Connor
Spontaneous Speaking - Shannon Robbins
Spontaneous Speaking - Jeff Ahlers
Storytelling - Charlie Ellis
LG
Ensemble Acting “Captive Audience” - David Barker, Shania DeBoer, Trevor Kliever, and Maria Renken
Ensemble Acting “First Time Club” - Kajsa Hallberg, Caitlyn Niehus, Katy Price, and Shannon Robbins
Group Improv - Riley Kluver, Caden Washburn, and Noah Watson
Group Improv - Jenn Arnold, Jayme Kelly, Madisen Parker, Emma Parry, and Maria Renken
Radio News Broadcasting “KNTC” - Glen Clark and Lauren Maddox
Readers Theater “Action News: Now with 10% More Action!” - David Barker, Cole Berkenpas, Shania DeBoer, Jack Eckstaine, Charlie Ellis, Cole Ernst, Kajsa Hallberg, Jocelyn Hernandez, Dominic Loutsch, Aimee Luksan, Kelsey Moeller, Ellen Meis, Peter Meis, and Shannon Robbins
Solo Mime “Golf Glory” - Tyler Carlson
IE
Acting - David Barker
After Dinner - Cole Berkenpas
Expository Address - Jayme Kelly
Expository Address - Trevor Kliever
Improvisational Acting - Jenn Arnold
Improvisational Acting - Caden Washburn
Original Oratory - Caitlyn Niehus
Prose - Jocelyn Hernandez
Public Address - Dominic Loutsch
Public Address - Cody Hatfiled
Radio News Announcing - Caden Washburn
Reviewing - Emma Parry
Reviewing - Kajsa Hallberg
Storytelling - Charlie Ellis
Storytelling - Alex Pick
LG
Group Mime “Black Friday” - Paige Groetken, Aimee Luksan, Caitlin Manley, Ellen Meis, Mackenzie Popken, and Whitney Zenk
Group Mime “Cinderella” - Travis Barrett, Liz Bixenman, Kelsey Clay, Erin Connor, and Yashila Permeswaran
Readers Theater “Snow, Sort of, White” - David Barker, Paige Groetken, Joel Haden, Kylie Hayworth, Cheree Jenn, Jayme Kelly, Zach Lerdal, Aimee Luksan, Rebecca Luksan, Ellen Meis, Peter Meis, Kelsy Moeller, Miranda Ritts, Josh Sluiter, Blake Wendt, and Drew Weiner
IE
Acting - Travis Barrett
Acting - Liz Bixenman
Acting - Erin Connor
After Dinner - Drew Weiner
Improvisational Acting - Matt Strub
Reviewing - Yashila Permeswaran
Storytelling - Andy Heffner
LG
Ensemble Acting “Captive Audience” - Nate Irwin, Nick Manthe, Kim Ohrlund, and Yashila Permeswaran
Ensemble Acting “The Battle of Bull Run Always Makes Me Cry” - Liz Bixenman, Erin Connor, Cody Kliever, Jessica Rahn
Ensemble Acting “First Time Club” - Becca Clay, Deanna Le, Rachel Parry, and Alissa Zink
Ensemble Acting “Words, Words, Words” - Emily Ahlers, Emma Parry, and Katy Price
Group Improv - Dominick Castle and Andy Heffner
Group Improv - Jenn Arnold, Emma Parry, and Emily Zink
Group Mime “Hannah and Gretel” - Becca Clay, Kelsey Clay, Rachel Meredith, Kim Ohrlund, Yashila Permeswaran, and AJ Schroeder
Solo Mime “The Audition” - Channing Pick
IE
After Dinner - Yashila Permeswaran
After Dinner - Drew Weiner
Original Oratory - Rachel Parry
Prose - Dayton Rand
Reviewing - Yashila Permeswaran
Solo Musical Theater - Kim Ohrlund
Storytelling - Andy Heffner
LG
Ensemble Acting – Nate Irwin, Kim Ohrlund, Kelsey Clay, Yashila Permeswaran, and Nick Manthe
Group Improv – Nate Irwin, Rachel Parry, Nick Manthe, Alissa Zink, and Matt Strub
Group Improv – Ben Rahn, Tyler Kommes, Palani Permeswaran, and Michael Sauer
Group Mime – Kristen Ahlers, Rachel Meredith, Palani Permeswaran, Becca Clay, and Yashila Permeswaran
IE
Acting – Rachel Parry
After Dinner – Yashila Permeswaran
Prose – Dominick Castle
Public Address – Kim Ohrlund
Reviewing – Yashila Permeswaran
Reviewing – Hillary Haden
Solo Musical Theater – Kim Ohrlund
Solo Musical Theater – Nick Manthe
Storytelling – Palani Permeswaran
LG
Group Mime – Jennifer Bates, Dani Bird, Becca Clay, Palani Permeswaran, and Tiara Wentz
Group Mime – Kelsey Clay, Erin Kommes, Morgan Ohm, and Yashila Permeswaran
IE
Acting – Kris Ohrlund
Acting – Palani Permeswaran
After Dinner – Kristen Ahlers
After Dinner – Kim Ohrlund
Expository Address – Dani Bird
Reviewing – Rebecca Ahlers
Reviewing – Hillary Haden
Storytelling – Tiara Wentz
Storytelling – Sam Schroeder
IE
Acting – Bethany Fischer
Acting – Ellie Hemmingson
Acting – Tiara Wentzz
After Dinner – Palani Permeswaran
Expository Address – Palani Permeswaran
Literary Program – Ellie Hemmingson
Storytelling – Sam Schroeder
LG
Ensemble Acting – “First Time Club”
Group Mime “Snow Prayer” – Jennifer Bates, Palani Permeswaran, and Tiara Wentz
IE
Ben Strub
Kristin Kommes
Ellie Hemmingson
Kris Ohrlund
LG
Ensemble Acting “Mere Mortals” - Mitch Baas and Vijay Permeswaran
Group Mime “The History of Violence… Abridged” - Morgan Harden and Vijay Permeswaran
IE
Expository Address - Ashley Fitzgerald
Expository Address - Vijay Permeswaran
Improvisational Acting - Quinn Kolpin
Original Oratory - Darin Friedrichs
LG
Ensemble Acting “Sure Thing” - Ashley Fitzgerald, Morgan Harden, Vijay Permeswaran, Lara Roy, and Ferdinand Schumacher
Group Mime “Barely Art” - Mitch Baas, Vijay Permeswaran, and Ferdinand Schumacher
IE
Vijay Permeswaran
Ashley Fitzgerald
Darin Friedrichs
Ferdinand Schumacher
Morgan Harden
Erik Tonsfeldt
LG
Group Improv - Mitch Bass and Hana Fischer
Ensemble Acting - Ashley Fitzgerald, Morgan Harden, Lara Roy, and Vijay Permeswaran
Readers Theater - Ashley Fitzgerald, Stephanie Gerrietts, Kendra Hansen, Greta Johnson, Kevin Ohrlund, Jacque Rolfes, Geana Schneider, Amelia Stonesifer, and Beau Sudgelte
IE
Acting - Morgan Harden
Expository Address - Ashley Fitzgerald
Expository Address - Vijay Permeswaran
Poetry - Lara Roy
IE
Acting - Brad Bybee
Expository Address - Ashley Fitzgerald
Expository Address - Vijay Permeswaran
Original Oratory - Brittani Boyd
Reviewing - Jacque Rolfes
IE
Acting - Lauren Holsing
Reviewing - Terry Fett
Spontaneous Speaking - Michael Mapes
LG
Group Mime - Phil Jeneary, Shane McCarty, and Justin Miller
Solo Mime - Phil Jeneary
IE
Acting - Leah Soderberg
Acting - Jason Masteller
After Dinner - Sarah Bock
Improvisational Acting - Bryan Reuter
Improvisational Acting - Jon Kommes
Literary Program - Leah Soderberg
Radio News Announcing - Jon Kommes
Spontaneous Speaking - Tim Sitzmann
Spontaneous Speaking - Melanie Johnson
LG
Solo Mime - Shane McCarty (Critics Choice recipient)
Phil Jeneary
Justin Miller
One Act Play “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”
IE
Michael Mapes
Jason Masteller
Leah Soderberg
Jamie Weets
IE
Jill Grosenheider
Kirk Klemme
Amanda Schoenherr
Coming soon!
Current coaches include Jocelyn Hommes, Tifany Wright, Molly Boeve, and Victor Mena.
Previous coaches in the program include:
Erin Ohrlund, Cole Berkenpas, Sherri Permeswaran, Molly Grell, Shawn Starr, Jodi Richey, Jill Martin, Robbin Hermsen, James Denekas, Melissa Nystrom, Ericka Downie, Daniel Lubinus, Rochelle Niehus, Gretchen Bruhn, and Craig Ihnen.
Each year at the Large Group All-State Festival, an industry professional serves as the category critic and gives the "critics choice" award to one group out of the entire state of Iowa, regardless of size. This award is better known as "the banner" as the winning school gets to take home that banner and display it in their school for an entire year until the next All-State Festival. This is essentially the state championship award of speech.
The E. Wayne Cooley Sweepstakes Trophy is awarded to the school that has the highest number of all-state groups.
2024 - Critics Choice for GROUP IMPROVISATION
2001 - Critics Choice for SOLO MIME
1993 - COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1992 - COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1990 - COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1988 - COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1987 - COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1986 - Critics Choice for ONE ACT PLAY; Critics Choice for GROUP MIME; COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1985 - Critics Choice for SOLO MIME; COOLEY SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY
1983 - Critics Choice for ONE ACT PLAY
1982 - Critics Choice for ONE ACT PLAY
1981 - Critics Choice for CHORAL READING