The Niagara High School public speaking team recently competed in the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association state meet in Madison. All members were awarded medals at state, with the team garnering seven golds, 19 silvers, and six bronze medals. The WHSFA was founded in 1895, making it the oldest secondary-school speech organization in the country. This organization provides an opportunity for students to enhance communication skills through participation in speech competitions. From February through mid-April, approximately 4,500 students from 340-plus schools participate in 16 different speaking categories — ranging from original speeches to performance literature. According to a WHSFA representative, “In a world built on ideas, the persuaders — the ones who can win hearts and change minds — have a competitive edge. Speaking skills give our students a professional edge over their contemporaries.” NHS continues to generate substantial participation by students in this extracurricular activity. The team is the largest in the M&O Conference with one in of every four students at Niagara High School participating in public speaking. The team members would like to thank the school board and administration for supporting a program that emphasizes the importance of public speaking and the art of persuasion. From left, team members are: sitting, Erin Lukowicz, Justine Geldmeyer, Emma Boverhuis, Mallory Sanicki, Isabel Jacobs, Kiley Johnston, Autumn Kowalkowski, Stephanie Maes, Elaina Ochs and Hannah Pech; second row, Beau Anderson, Emma Novak, Gavin Neuens, Nick Krueger, Tommy Martin, Parker DeCremer, Zach Schroeder, Mea Anderson and Haley Buckner; and back row, Dante Stachowicz, Alex Tripp, Eddie Swanson, Aiden Colenso, Nate Olsen, Andar Olson, Evan Bruemmer, Christian Hedmark, Samantha Oratch and Mason Richtig. Not shown are Noah Emery, Andrea Molus and Aengus Patterson.