Written by Ann Tornberg
On Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 there were a total of 18 Beresford High School and Middle School students who traveled to Sioux Valley High School for the annual Big East Conference Oral Interp Tournament. Eight Conference schools attended including: Beresford, Chester, Montrose, Sioux Valley, Flandreau, McCook Central, Garretson, and Parker.
There was a total of 77 entries from all eight schools, with Beresford having the largest Oral Interp Program, bringing 29 entries. Almost all of the Beresford students compete in two or even three events. Beresford won first place in six out of the seven categories. Individual winners from Beresford included:
Humor: First, senior Max Josko; Second, 8th grader Raiden Hanner; Third sophomore Sophia Coe; Fourth, freshman, Max Kinney; Fifth, 6th grader, Anna Andrews.
Drama: Second, senior Max Josko; Third, sophomore Isabella Russo.
Non-Original Oratory: First, freshman Henry Huether; fourth, 8th grader Sophia Penn.
Poetry: First, sophomore Isabella Russo; Second, freshman Juliet Josko.
Storytelling: First, freshman Juliet Josko; Third, sophomore Izzy Beeson; Fourth, 6th grader, Anna Andrews; Sixth, 8th grader Abby Cahoon.
Duet Acting: First, sophomores Izzy Beeson and Sophia Coe; Third, freshman Max Kinney and Henry Huether; Fifth, 8th graders Abby Cahoon and Sophia Penn; and Sixth, 8th grader Raiden Hanner and 7th grader Emma Martinsen.
Finally, in the event called Readers Theater, the Beresford High School team won first-place prize. The team consisted of senior Max Josko and Sophomores Emma Andrews, Izzy Beeson, Sophia Coe, and Isabelle Russo.
The Oral Interp Team will compete in Lennox on Oct. 17 and Brandon on Oct. 19th for a busy first week of contests. The team is coached by Ann Tornberg.