The Salem High School Speech team cemented its place in Virginia High School League (VHSL) history by capturing its 19th consecutive state championship, setting a new record for the most team Speech (Forensics) titles. Salem’s latest victory, a commanding 39-11 win over regional rival E.C. Glass in Class 4, took place on its home turf and propelled the program past Madison County, which had held the previous record with 18 state championships.
The VHSL Speech State Championships finals were held on March 29 at Salem High School.
In addition to the team triumph, senior Claire Rawlins made history by securing the 100th individual state championship in school history, a number that now stands at 103. Rawlins successfully defended her state title in Impromptu Speaking after winning Policy Debate at last year’s VHSL Debate State Championships.
Other performances contributed to Salem’s dominant showing:
State Champions:
- Serious Dramatic: Charlie Bain (12th)
- Humorous Duo: Lacey Stratton (11th) & Bella Poarch (11th)
- Prose: Rosalie Botos (9th)
State Runners-up:
- Storytelling: Hall Blackwood (12th)
- Extemporaneous Speaking: Rebekah Steinweg (12th)
- Original Oratory: Parneet Gill (11th)
- Serious Dramatic: Tara Farrokhpoor (9th)
- Humorous: Noah Lovern (12th)
Third Place Finishers:
- Serious Duo: Connor Smythers (12th) & Colton Easter (12th)
- Prose: Brenasha Devlin (11th)
- Ariana Turner (11th)
- Storytelling: Caden Smythers (8th)
Additional competitors included Aly Ory (9th) and Zippy Elliott (9th) in Humorous Duo, as well as Tori Iverson (8th) and Lori Lowry (9th) in Serious Duo. Team manager Kaelyn Henzey (12th) played a vital role, creating signage throughout the building to assist judges and competitors. Henzey also led a team of volunteers—Harper Rocovich, Dylan Hancock, Luke Stovall, Kody Hinnant, and Jack Dixon—who documented the event through photography, culminating in a popular slideshow presented before the awards ceremony.
Head Coach Mark Ingerson praised his team’s dedication and leadership, particularly the efforts of captains Connor Smythers, Colton Easter, and Charlie Bain.
“I am really proud of this group! We have VERY strong senior leadership from our captains. They were outstanding mentors to our younger students and helped develop the talent on the team,” Ingerson said. “Honestly, if I were the only one who could help students, we would not have the consistent and far-reaching success we’ve had. It’s outstanding students like these young men, who are self-sacrificing and willing to meet inside and outside of practice to help develop the presentation skills of their teammates.”
Ingerson shared a specific example of teamwork and dedication, highlighting how Bain assisted Stratton and Poarch in choreographing a humorous river dance sequence for their performance.
“Charlie met the girls at one of their houses and they worked for hours watching YouTube videos and choreographing a 20-30 second dance. It was both phenomenal and hilarious. Lacey and Bella were state champions in their event, but teammates like Charlie played a role.”
With this latest victory, Salem’s Speech team has now earned exactly 200 state medals, including 103 first-place finishes, across ten individual events since 2004.
“This speaks volumes about the commitment and pursuit of excellence that Salem students have had for the program,” Ingerson added. “Hopefully, my large contingent of 8th and 9th graders will keep this tradition moving forward.”
