JALC Speech Team Captures National Award

Published on March 28, 2024

The John A. Logan College Speech team continues to have success in the program’s first year of competition. Earlier in March, the team competed in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Finals and ranked in several events. At the competition, Pat Idzik received the Dennis Ross Award, which was voted on by student competitors and awarded to the coach who is dedicated to forensics excellence and service. Students placing at the competition included: Kellen Colson, sixth in dramatic interpretation, and fifth in poetry; Marissa Bogdansky, sixth in impromptu; Alberta Grinston, third in poetry; and Mischa O’Connell, second in IPDA debate.

The team also competed at the National Speech Championship, an open tournament for qualifying schools at the University of Illinois Chicago.  The team placed in seven events and captured the National Two-Year College title in Sweeps. Team members placing at the tournament included: Kellen Colson and Mia Bogdansky, tenth place in duo; Kellen Colson, eighth place in poetry, Alberta Grinstron, sixth place in poetry; Kazia Taylor, fifth place in impromptu; Mia Bogdansky, fifth place in poetry and Mia Bogdansky, Alberta Grinstron, Kazia Taylor, and Emily Nelson, second place in group improv.

“I am extremely proud of this group of hardworking students and coaches,” JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said. “To find the success that they have while navigating their first year of competition is truly remarkable.”