For the Rapids City Times

LA CROSSE – Lincoln High School was one of 19 high schools to receive the highest recognition at the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association (WHSFA) State Speech Festival in Madison, April 17-18.

Lincoln High School was one of 19 schools receiving the highest recognition at the recent State Speech Festival in Madison. LHS photo

Approximately 4,200 students from 340 high schools across the state participated. Students had to advance from two qualifying level contests to perform at the state contest, which is one of the largest in the country.

Judges rated each student, or performing group, and the top five percent of schools are recognized with Excellence in Speech Awards, with the school and teacher each presented with a plaque. This year, 19 schools earned this honor.

“Students in our academic sport practice long hours to hone their skills and meet expectations upon which they will be judged,” said WHSFA Executive Director Adam Jacobi. “These schools represent consistent performance across a variety of contest events at our festival and should be lauded for their performance.”