By Kaleb Gorsch

Belle Plaine High School Speech competition is instructed and led by Paula Mengler. Mrs. Mengler has been the Speech coach for many years. When interviewed this is what she had to say…
Why have you chosen to be the speech coach?
“I was involved in speech in high school, and I like to be interactive with kids outside of the classroom.”
What kind of speech groups were you involved in during high school?
“Large group, individual, acting, and radio announcing”
Have you ever placed in competitions?
“Yes, a couple of the students were chosen to go to all-state in acting and story telling.”
How do you choose a piece for speech?
“By the personalities of the students”
How many member do you have involved in speech and what types of competition are they involved in?
“Coral Reading: Mallory Brandt, Laura Breja, Katie Pierce, Laura Johnson, Bailey Gorsch, Emily Mast, Meghan Miller, Hope Kriegel, Mikayla Mason, Nikki Miller, Dani Coover, and Stephen Muench. Reader’s Theatre: Meghan Miller, Laura Breja, Katie Pierce, Ariel Hawkins, and Emily Mast. Improv: Brandon Viall, Ryan Rupp, Ben Sayers, Dillon McGrane, and Kaleb Gorsch. Radio Broadcasting: undecided.”
When and where will they perform?
“January 23, 2010 at Grinnell High School”
Speech is a great thing to get involved in because you get to use your imagination and be creative. Coach Mengler is an energetic instructor that encourages the students and has a great time while coaching. She constructs fun activities and everyone gets along well. Wish the speech competitors good luck before the big day in January.