The Speech Team is a group of individuals who are always together no matter the circumstance, and with that bond, they hope to win the IHSA State Championship. Recently on Saturday, Feb. 14,  the Speech Team won the IHSA Sectional at Freeport High School.

The HHS Speech team scored 41 points and defeated Dekalb by three points. Senior Parth Patel won first place in Extemporaneous Speaking, and 2nd in Impromptu Speaking.

“Beating DeKalb felt awesome,” said Patel. “We brought the first IHSA Sectional Championship in Huntley Speech history to reality so it was pretty great.”

Patel, senior Jordan Moore, senior Andrianna Martinez, and junior Lexie Ziolkowski, all advanced to the IHSA State Championship at the Peoria Civil Center.

The Speech Team left for Peoria at 7:30 a.m, and arrived at the competition, which started at 1:30 p.m. Patel, along with the other members of the Speech team, hoped to win it all the way.

“Winning is cool, but it is always important to read the ballots and see the feedback from judges so we can be even better next time.” said Patel.

The Speech Team worked hard at the competition on Friday, Feb. 20, and the overall team results were very close into easing into the final round of the IHSA State Championship.

“I hope that everyone performs their best, because if everyone does just that, then we should not have to worry about the gold and glory. But most importantly, I want to have fun,” said Patel “This may be some of the last competitive speeches I ever give in my life, so enjoying the fleeting moments with the people whom I have come to know, the teammates, and the experience overall is something I am looking forward to.”

Patel got into the top six for Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking. Lexie Ziolkowski came in 10th place in Informative Speech, and 7th place in Original Oratory. Jordan Moore and Andrianna Martinez got 7th place in Dramatic Duet Acting.

Overall the HHS speech team made the community of Huntley proud over the weekend, and even for themselves made a great learning experience that they will never forget.