Lake County Gazette

Wilson, Cimino and Olson qualify for IHSA State Speech Finals

Three members of the Coal City High School Speech Team—Madison Wilson, Jacob Cimino and Jordan Olson—have advanced to the IHSA State Finals this weekend at the Peoria Civic Center.

Out of 13 events that advanced to the sectional tournament at Washington High School, the Coalers proceeded to the final round in nine speaking categories, as well as the state series only event known as Performance in Round. The top six performances in each category advance to the finals and from there the top three placers earn a spot in the state finals.

Madison Wilson will be double entered in the state finals as she qualified in radio speaking with a second-place finish at the sectional tournament and a third-place finish in dramatic interpretation. This will be Madison’s second time in the state finals as she qualified in the same two events in 2024.

Jacob Cimino finished third in impromptu speaking earning a spot in the state finals. This will be his second trip to state as he qualified in extemporaneous speaking in 2023.

Making his first trip to the state finals is Jordan Olson who secured his spot with a third-place finish in prose.

The state qualifiers will be recognized Friday morning before they depart for their opening day of competition. The Coalers have had students in the state finals 15 out of the past 16 years.

Overall, the Coalers finished fifth at the sectional contest on Saturday, Feb. 15. Advancing to finals were: Corinna Barkley (special occasion speaking), Deborah Lynch (informative speaking), Grey Vanek (humorous interpretation), Jacob Cimino (extemporaneous speaking), Olivia Sage and Jordan Olson (dramatic duet acting), and Performance in Round.