With the Covid-19 pandemic, many things in the school have changed; the Speech team isn’t an exception. One of the major changes this year is that all the competitions are going to be just Pella High and there isn’t an All-State festival. Pella High has decided to have local in-person competitions. The IHSSA has said that up to eight schools may be at the local in-person contests, but Pella is going to be the only in-person school and other schools may choose to send in virtual recordings. There are going to be local in-person competitions for Districts and State, but there will not be an All-State competition this year. Groups can still qualify for All-State and medals will still be awarded; there is just not going to be an in-person festival. 

“I’m sad that we don’t get to have the fun experience of all the in-person competitions and All-State but I’m happy we are keeping people safe,” said senior Hannah Tschetter. 

On the plus side, the season is going to be mostly the same. Groups will still rehearse to perfect their performances; they just need to be masked and socially distant. Junior Maggie Leach is very excited for the upcoming Speech season. 

“We are able to participate in so many of the events we love,” said Leach, “and I couldn’t be more thankful that we are able to do it this year.”