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Speech team twins win another trip to All-State Festival

  • Emily and Lily Woodard strike their "Pants" pose from the commercial that was part of their improv draw at the state large group speech contest Saturday in Dubuque. (Submitted photo)

  • Charles City High School state large group speech contest performers pose for a group photo at Dubuque Senior High School on Saturday. (Submitted photo)

Press Staff Report

A veteran Charles City High School speech duo received straight 1s at the state speech contest in Dubuque on Saturday, and was invited to appear at All-State later this month.

It will be the second appearance for seniors Emily and Lily Woodard at the prestigious All-State Festival held at Iowa State University in Ames.

The Woodards received 1 ratings for group improvisation and for their ensemble, “Inherit the Wind,” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, at the Iowa state large group speech competition on Saturday.

A freshman ensemble performing “The Actor’s Nightmare,” by Christopher Durang, received a split-decision 1 (two 1s and a 2). This ensemble starred Harper McInroy, Teagan Prigge, Sophia Jensen, Lance Shivers and Isaac Hervert.

“Three On a Bench,” by Doris Estrada, and starring senior Ella Rogstad and freshmen Anna Herbrechtsmeyer and Anders Haglund, received a 2 rating.

“I’m very proud of our incredibly talented seniors,” said high school speech coach Mike Lembke. “Overall, it’s been a fantastic growing year that included a large group of freshmen.”

Lily and Emily Woodard were nominated for the All-State Festival in both their 1-rating categories. Their improv group, “Woodard Times 2,” will be making its second appearance at All-State as performers. Their ensemble received a nomination for All-State in the non-performing category.

“I’m so happy!” Emily texted after receiving word of the All-State announcement while at a vocal jazz group competition on Monday.

The All-State Festival will be held at Iowa State University in Ames on Saturday, Feb. 22. The performances are held in various locations at Iowa State Center. Woodard Times 2 is scheduled to perform at 3:40 p.m. in the Scheman Building.

High school speech coach Brenda Bailey said, “The twins are over-the-moon excited to have been nominated in both of their large group categories as seniors, and Mike and I are equally excited for them.

“The All-State nominations are well-deserved,” she said.

Lembke added, “These two have put in long hours over the past four years, improving each year. Definitely two of our most dedicated performers. They have the art of improvisation down to a science.”

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