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An elite group of only eight one-act teams (out of over 150 teams), 12 Readers Theatre teams (out of nearly 250 teams), 20 Choral Reader teams (out of nearly 180 teams), and 20 Musical Theatre Teams (out of over 400 teams) from across the state of Iowa are selected each year by the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) to perform at the Large Group All-State Festival. In addition, the top honor of each category performed at the Festival each year is awarded "The Critic's Choice" and, for the next year, the IHSSA's "Critic's Choice Traveling Banner" hangs in the winning school.
An elite group of All-State Individual Honors are also selected each year when only 400 students are selected by the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) from across the state of Iowa to perform at the Individual Events All-State Festival--out of nearly 9,000 students who started competition in the events at the District level.
Below are the All-State Honors (both Large Group and Individual Events) earned by Pella Christian's Speech Forensic Teams since 2006:
2025
One Act - The Other Room - Critic's Choice Award
Evan Tschetter (Austin), Emma De Boef (Lily), Finn Spronk (Travis)
The Mind of Austin: Cassidy Bos, Kirby Van Wyngarden, Esther Ford, Eric Mome, Caleb Fikkert, Jenna Vande Zande, Ellie Johnson
Musical Theatre - Newsies - "Carrying the Banner" / "Seize the Day" / "The World Will Know"
Evan Tschetter (Jack), Kirby Van Wyngarden (Davey), Gerrit Vande Zande (Race), Clay Lauterbach (Finch), Eric Mome (Albert), Caleb Fikkert (Henry), Kaeden Bouma (Crutchie)
Musical Theatre - The Little Mermaid - "Daughters of Triton" / "She's in Love"
Ellie Johnson (Attina), Jenna Vande Zande (Alana), Bella De Haan (Aquata), Ella Hodgell (Andrina), Cora Bierma (Adella), Cassidy Bos (Arista), Daiva Van Maanen (Flounder)
Poetry Interpretation:
Cassidy Bos - “Beginning, Middle & End” by Phil Kaye
After Dinner Speaking:
Daiva Van Maanen - "Literally, What's Wrong With the World?"
Prose Interpretation:
Bella De Haan - "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold
2024
Readers Theatre - Pullman Car Hiawatha
Elliot Ochsner (Stage Manager), Breece Gibson (Mrs. Churchill), Cassidy Bos (Harriet), Finn Spronk (Philip), Daiva Van Maanen (Archangel), Esther Ford (Porter)
Passengers: Emma De Boef, Kenzie Kannis, Sydney Bruxvoort, Bella De Haan, Anna Vermillion
Storytelling:
Mia Andringa - "Listen, My Bridge is So Cool" by Nancy Loewen
Solo Musical Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone
Abby Dart - "Show Off” by Lisa Lammert and Greg Morrison
Acting:
Abby Dart - "The Trouble With Guys" by Robert Mauro
Poetry Interpretation:
Cassidy Bos - “Repetition ” by Phil Kaye
2023
One Act - The Women of Lockerbie
Toby Vander Molen (Bill), Abby Dart (Madeline), Bridget Vande Zande (Olive), Avery Verhoef (Alice), Liz Vink (Hattie), Evan Tschetter (George), Caden Albright (McBain), Aaron Meinders (Sorenson)
Women of Lockerbie: Alayna Van Kooten (also swing for Olive), Laurey Johnson, Jema Settles, Mia Andringa, Rachel Lanferman
Musical Theatre - Chicago - "Cell Block Tango" / "We Both Reached for the Gun"
Abby Dart (Mona / Roxie), Bridget Vande Zande (Velma), Jema Settles (Liz), MaKenzi Groenendyk (June), Mia Andringa (Hunyak), Lauren Winn (Annie), Toby Vander Molen (Husband / Billy Flynn), Evan Tschetter (Husband / Mary Sunshine), Rachel Lanferman (Swing)
Storytelling:
Mia Andringa - “The Tortoise & The Hare” by Nancy Loewen
Solo Musical Theatre:
Bridget Vande Zande - “My Party Dress” by Brian Lowdermilk
After Dinner Speaking:
Ellie Johnson - "The Hardships of Being the Main Character"
2022
One Act - Elephant's Graveyard
Trent Van Gilst (Ringmaster), Caleb Belzer (Trainer), Lauren Dunsbergen (Ballet Girl), Alejandro Murdoch (Strongman), Laurey Johnson (Clown), Evan Tschetter (Tour Manager), Jack Vos (RR Engineer), Seth Van Gelder (Marshal), Marie Johnson (Hungry Townsperson), Abby Dart (Muddy Townsperson), Alayna Van Kooten (Steam Shovel Operator), Bridget Vande Zande, Avery Verhoef, and Leah Osborn (Young Townspeople), Caden Albright (Preacher), Aaron Meinders (Sound Operator)
Readers Theatre - The Long View
Lauren Dunsbergen (Holly), Trent Van Gilst (Travis), Seth Van Gelder (Nate), Marie Johnson (Annie), Janae Vande Noord (Wendy), Liz Vink (Tori), Alayna Van Kooten (Sarah), Mia Andringa (Hanna), Bridget Vande Zande (Shaun), Spencer Ver Ploeg (Luke), Leah Osborn (Alex), Alejandro Murdoch (Zachary), Savannah Oosterheert (Petra)
Lit Program:
Trent Van Gilst - “Shades of Perspective (from the Forest)” by various authors
Storytelling:
Laurey Johnson - “Mind Your Manners B.B. Wolf” by Judy Sierra
Mia Andringa - “Believe me, Goldilocks Rocks” by Nancy Loewen
Solo Musical Theatre:
Abby Dart - “The Girl in 14G” by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan
Improv:
Laurey Johnson
2021
One Act - Thieves' Carnival
Trent Van Gilst (Peterbono), Caleb Belzer (Hector), Seth Van Gelder (Gustave), Piper King (Lady Dupont-Duford), Jack Vos (Dupont-Duford), Lauren Dunsbergen (Eva), Bridget Vande Zande (Juliette), Abby Dart (Lady Hurf), Caden Albright (Lord Edgard), Marie Johnson (Musician), Alayna Van Kooten (Musician), Leah Osborn (Town Crier), Kaylee Bandstra (Nursemaid), Laurey Johnson (Constable), Leah Nikkel (Summer Visitor)
Storytelling:
Trent Van Gilst - “The Wolf Who Cried Boy” by Bob Hartman
Laurey Johnson - “Monster Trouble” by Lane Fredrickson
Literary Program:
Trent Van Gilst - “Joy of the Unexpected” by various authors
Prose Interpretation:
Laurey Johnson - “The Three Co-Dependent Goat's Gruff” by James Garner
2020
One Act - Rags
Emily Van Beek (Rebecca), Caleb Belzer (David), Jocelyn Gritters (Bella), Kody Jansen (Saul), Austin Dart (Nathan), Abby Gosselink (Rosa), Seth Van Gelder (Mr. Bronstein), Trent Van Gilst (Avram), Jack Vos (Big Tim Sullivan), Jon Stoltzfus (Ellis Island Guard)
Sweatshop Sewers: Zoey Nelson, Piper King, Lexi Matherly, Marie Johnson, Lauren Dunsberrgen, Leah Osborn; Peter Larson (Sound Operator)
Readers Theatre - And Others - Critic's Choice Award
Emily Van Beek (Amanda), Halie Vermillion (Maya), Jocelyn Gritters (Kadie), Zoey Nelson (Katarina), Kody Jansen (Liam), Peter Larson (Randall), Lauren Dunsbergen (Rachel), Trent Van Gilst (Brady)
Choral Readers - And
Colby De Vries (Aaron), Abby Gosselink (Adrian),
Students: Elijah Vos, Josh Beltman, Kaylee Bandstra, Jack Vos, Lexi Matherly, Morgan Meinders, Piper King, Marie Johnson, Lauren Trotter, Bridget Vande Zande, Avery Verhoef, MaKenzi Groenendyk
Storytelling:
Emily Van Beek - “Chicks and Salsa” by Aaron Reynolds
Trent Van Gilst - “Minnie and Moo Go to the Moon” by Denys Cazet
After Dinner:
Emily Van Beek - “Politically Correct Advertising”
Literary Program:
Leah Osborn - “Shades of Sadness” by various authors
2019
Readers Theatre - Mirrors
Ben Vos (Tyson Mansfield), Emma Stravers (Elizabeth Mansfield Simons), Halie Vermillion (Grace Mansfield), Mason Donelson (Denny), Jocelyn Gritters (Amber), Abby Te Grotenhuis (Jilliann), Zoey Nelson (Mary Joyce), Emily Van Beek (Shannon), Bethany Spencer (Virginia), Kody Jansen (Rev Jennings), Peter Larson (Rev Lloyd)
Musical Theatre - West Side Story - "Jet Song" / "Tonight" / "Cool"
Tyler Egesdal (Riff), Braden Meinders (Tony), Colby De Vries (Diesel), Peter Larson (Big Deal), Mason Donelson (Baby John), Michael Muñoz (Snowboy), Caleb Belzer (Tiger), Taryn Hugen (Choreographer)
Short Film - Water Under the Bridge
Kyle Howey, Michael Muñoz, Levi Jansen
Choral Readers - The Tell-Tale Heart
Abby Gosselink (Narrator), Elijah Vos (Old Man), Aubrey Belzer (Officer), Josh Beltman (Officer), Kaylee Bandstra (Officer)
Voices: Zara Pippel, Taryn Hugen, Sierra White, Jack Vos, Felipe Souza, Lexi Matherly, Morgan Meinders
Prose Interpretation:
Emma Stravers - “Closure” by BJ Novak
Solo Musical Theatre - Catch Me If You Can
Tyler Egesdal - “Goodbye” by Shaiman & Wittman
Literary Program:
Trent Van Gilst - “Shades of Green” by various authors
Improv:
Tyler Egesdal
2018
One Act Play - The Yellow Boat
Tyler Egesdal (Benjamin), Braden Meinders (Father), Emma Stravers (Mother), Abby Ambroson (Joy), Lindsay Breon (Doctor), Parker Schnell (Doctor), Peter Larson (Doctor), Alexis De Vries (Nurse), Josie Te Grotenhuis (Nurse), Ian Stravers (Eddie), Emily Van Beek (Edie's Mother), Abigail Gosselink (Teacher); Kyle Howey (Sound Operator), Brianna Jansen (Light Operator)
Readers Theatre - Dark Road
Alexis De Vries (Greta), Ryan Van Gilst (Daimler), Olivia Van Der Pol (Lise), Thomas Dykstra (Commandant), Emma Stravers (Marga), Abby Te Grotenhuis (Ingrid), Ben Vos (Guard / Doctor)
Prisoners: Sharlee Fopma, Jocelyn Gritters, Halie Vermillion, Rebekah Lanferman
Musical Theatre - Newsies - "Carrying the Banner" / "Seize the Day" / "The World Will Know"
Thomas Dykstra (Jack), Ryan Van Gilst (Davey), Tyler Egesdal (Crutchie), Colby De Vries (Race), Parker Schnell (Albert), Specs (Mason Donelson), Peter Larson (Henry), Braden Meinders (Finch)
Prose Interpretation:
Ryan Van Gilst - "Voices from Chernobyl" by Svetlana Alexievich
2017
One Act Play - The Other Room
Jimmy Beyer (Austin), Lindsay Breon (Lily), Samuel Dahm (Travis)
Voices: Colin Stravers (Donovan), Jalayna Morgan (Anna), Matheus Soler (Chappie), Ryan Van Gilst (Talbott), Tyler Egesdal (Nicky), Emma Stravers (Marie), Abby Ambroson (Margaret)
Readers Theatre - Fire Exit
Ryan Howey (Rudy), Brandan Vande Kamp (Devin), Alexis De Vries (Helen), Abby Te Grotenhuis (Morgan), Emma Stravers (Janice), Ben Vos (Bobbie), Ryan Van Gilst (Principal Evans), Bethany Spencer (Mrs. Jenkins), Jackson Smith (Jack)
Musical Theatre - Scarlet Pimpernel - "Into Fire" / "Creation of Man" / "The Riddle"
Jimmy Beyer (Percy), Colin Stravers (Dewhurst), Samuel Dahm (Elton), Thomas Dykstra (Farleigh), Tyler Egesdal (Hal), Colby De Vries (Ozzy)
Short Film - Supermarket Sweethearts
Ryan Howey and Brandan Vande Kamp
2016
One Act Play - The Giver
Joel Larson (Jonas), Jimmy Beyer (Giver), Maverick Risley (Father), Kara Zondervan (Mother), Jalayna Morgan (Lily), Colin Stravers (Asher), Lindsay Breon (Fiona), Tyler Egesdal (Memory Jonas), Paige Beyer (Flute)
Color Givers: Emma Stravers, McKinley Zula, Abby Ambroson, Dawson Ford, Jackson Smith, Sound: Kyle Howey
Readers Theatre - One Lane Bridge
Maverick Risley (Eli), Sarah Meyer (Samantha), Ryan Van Gilst (Narrator), Brandan Vande Kamp (Hayden), Ryan Howey (Ezra), Gabrielle Wilson (Cora), Karla De Bruin (Grandmother), Olivia Van Der Pol (911 Operator), Beau Risley (Sign Announcer)
Musical Theatre - West Side Story - "Jet Song" / "Officer Krupke"
Josh Fopma (Riff), Colin Stravers (Action), Joel Larson (Diesel), Ryan Howey (A-Rab), Samuel Dahm (Snowboy), Ryan Van Gilst (Baby John)
Acting:
Kara Zondervan - "Wit" by Margaret Edson
Poetry Interpretation:
Sarah Meyer - "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse
2015
One Act Play - The Diviners
Matthew Rossler (C.C.), Jimmy Beyer (Buddy), Ashley Ambroson (Jennie Mae), Jessi Vos (Luella), Jonathan Beltman (Basil), Kara Zondervan (Norma), Jaylayna Morgan (Goldie), Samuel Dahm (Dewey), Colin Stravers (Melvin), Thomas Dykstra (Ferris), Taylor Hartson (Flute), Jordan Vande Kamp (Sound)
Maverick Risley (Student Director)
Poetry Interpretation:
Joel Larson - “Kaleidoscope” by Levi Macallister
Storytelling:
Maverick Risley - “Mr. Maxwell’s Mouse” by Frank Asch
2014
Readers Theatre - I Never Saw Another Butterfly
Courtney Griggs (Raja), Breanna Terpstra (Irena), Jenna Van Der Pol (Renka)
Children: Kara Zondervan, Karla De Bruin, Emma Farwell, Anna Burg, Jalayna Morgan
Poetry Interpretation:
Cory Van Gilst - "America" by Curt Bennett
Storytelling:
Jordan Breon - "The Uterine Prolapse" by Baxter Black
2013
One Act Play - Blood Brothers
Cailee Veenstra (Mrs. Johnstone), Matthew Rossler (Mickey), Jordan Breon (Edward), Delaney Dugger (Mrs. Lyons), Joey Harger (Mr. Lyons), India Sarver (Linda), Tanner Van Maanen (Sammy), Cory Van Gilst and Leah Blankespoor (Narrators), Nick Van Beek (Milkman), Karyn Vander Wal (Nurse), Jeremy Visser (Constable), Vanessa Blankespoor (Miss Jones), Madison Thingstad (Mrs. Wong), Cali Beyer and Emily Van Gorp (Carnies), Trisha Fopma (Keyboard), Jessi Vos (Violin)
Readers Theatre - A Piece of My Heart
Courtney Griggs (Martha), Buffy Bouwkamp (Mary Jo), Jaclyn Kuyers (Whitney), Kristina Vander Pol (Steele), Sissy (Malia Beatty), Kara Zondervan (Leeann), Breanna Terpstra (Bien), Kira Braun (Mother), Jenna Vander Pol (Officer), Abby Van Solen (Head Nurse)
Literary Program:
Cory Van Gilst - "The Joy of Farming" (selected authors)
Storytelling:
Jordan Breon - "The Vegetarian's Nightmare" by Baxter Black
2012
Choral Readers - The Other Room
Amber Attema (Lily), Matthew Rossler (Austin), Leighton Schnedler (Travis)
Voices: Vanessa Blankespoor, Delaney Dugger, Amy Beekhuizen, Cali Beyer, Madison Thingstad, Cory Van Gilst, Caleb Attema, Carson Dugger, Emily Van Gorp
Literary Program:
Cory Van Gilst - "The Joy of the Unexpected" (selected authors)
2011
Readers Theatre - This is a Test
Abigail Fincel (Alaina), Maria Van Wolde (Lois), Julie Jansen (Teacher), Kayla Veenstra (Pat), Courtney Griggs (Chris)
Voices: Lauren Griggs, Jaclyn Kuyers, Ashley Vander Molen, Leah Vander Hart, Michaela Martin (Clock)
Solo Musical Theatre - Wicked
Nicole Vande Zande - "Popular" by Gregory Maquire
Storytelling:
Abigail Fincel - "No More Jumping on the Bed" by Tedd Arnold
2010
One Act Play - Orphan Trains - Critic's Choice Award
Nicole Vande Zande (Evie / Mrs. Albright), Sara Van Gorp (Katie) Alexa Zylstra (Social Work Agents), Sara Van Gorp, Chris McLaughlin (Harvey), Kristi Van Wyk (Maria), David Visser (Lucky), India Sarver (Miss Billings), Seth Fopma (Mr. Singer), Jalissa Morgan (Mrs. Singer), Amber Attema (Newsboy / Mrs. Hendron), Emily Visser (Justina), Jillian Kuyers (Miss Lyons), Julie Jansen (Mrs. Burke), Jeremy Visser (Patrick); Chess Van Wyk (Sound Operator)
Solo Musical Theatre - You're A Good Man Charlie Brown
Nicole Vande Zande - "My New Philosophy" by Clark Gesner
Prose Interpretation:
Chess Van Wyk - "The Plague of Tics" by David Sedaris
2009
One Act Play - Rags
Rachel Van Gorp (Rebecca), Michael Van Waardhuizen (David), Bre Van Peursem (Bella), David Visser (Avram), Cameron Van Kooten (Saul), Chris McLaughlin (Nathan), Shelby Vander Molen (Rosa), Ethan Van Kooten (Mr. Bronstein), John Veenstra (Big Tim Sullivan)
Sweatshop Sewers: Stephanie Fynaardt, Sara Van Gorp, Nicole Vande Zande, Kaylee Van Weelden, Kristi Van Wyk, Alexa Zylstra; Amber Duryee (Sound Operator)
Prose Interpretation:
Maria Bouwkamp - "Sarah Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan
Public Address:
Levi Grandstaff - "They Also Serve" by Harold Sliker
2008
One Act Play - The Yellow Boat
Andrew Stam (Father), Bre Van Peursem (Mother), Michael Van Waardhuizen (Benjamin), Rachel Van Gorp (Joy), Kendra Schiebout (Doctor), Shelby Vander Molen (Doctor), Cameron Van Kooten (Doctor), Sara Van Gorp (Nurse), Anna De Haan (Nurse), Stephanie Fynaardt (Edie), Nicole Vande Zande (Edie's Mother), Clare Laverman, (Teacher); Abbie Wynja (Sound Operator)
Musical Theatre - Les Mis - "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" / "On My Own"
Andrew Stam (Marius), Kendra Schiebout (Eponine)
Acting:
Andrew Stam - Buddy in The Diviners, by Jim Leonard, Jr.
Cameron Van Kooten - Narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe
Shelby Vander Molen - Storyteller in Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
Interpretive Prose:
Andrew Stam - "Fibrications" by Terry McManus
Rachel Van Gorp - "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes
2007
Acting:
Andrew Stam - Conrad in Ordinary People, by Judith Guest
Prose Interpretation:
Andrew Stam - "I'm So Embarrassed" by Robert Munsch
Poetry Interpretation:
Rachel Van Gorp - "Mysteries of the Night" (selected authors)
Stephanie Fynaardt - "Brothers and Sisters" (selected authors)
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