The Okarche HighSchool speech team ended the first semester and started the second semester of the 2020-21 school year with team trophies at two virtual speech competitions.

For virtual competitions, students prepare their events as they normally would; however, they video their performances, which are submitted to the tournament director for judging.

On December 4-6, Okarche entered the Oologah High School Tournament.

OHS had three tournament runners-up.

Kenzie Beard placed second in poetry, Riley Black was second in monologue and Kera Avilez also placed second in standard oratory.

Rylie Bomhoff was third in prose with Emma Stover placing fourth.

The team also received the second-place sweepstakes award in class 3A.

On Jan. 14-16, OHS competed in the Alva High School Tournament.

OHS had eight placings in the competition.

In dramatic interp, Ken-zie Beard was first and Madison Schaefer placed second.

Schaefer also teamed with Brody Sadler to place first in dramatic duet.

In humorous interp, McKenzie Stewart was first and Riley Black was second.

Chloe Goble and Afton Shirey took second in humorous duet.

Shirey also claimed the second place medal in standard oratory.

Marley Hill placed third in poetry

Okarche had two finalist in prose: Kera Avilez and Emma Stover.

The team also won the first-place sweepstakes plaque in 3A.

OHS will compete next at the Okeene Tournament in late January