Sidney Speech earns multiple finalists at North Platte Invite; Ivie honored by NSAA

SIDNEY, Neb. — Sidney High School’s speech team turned in a strong performance Saturday at the Blue & Gold North Platte Invite, bringing home multiple championships and finalist finishes in a 27-school field on Saturday.

In Open Division competition, Sweeney placed fourth in Oral Interpretation of Drama. Kyah Hicks led the Serious Prose champions division with a runner-up finish, while Raven Dinorog placed fifth. In Extemporaneous Speaking champions division, Mady Kennedy finished fourth.

Sidney’s novice competitors also found success. Zaire Covington won the Serious Prose novice title, while LJ Escobar finished second in Serious Prose novice next-in. Laurel Dadgostar placed third in POI next-in, Emerson Tvrs was fourth in Informative novice next-in, and Madi Gurr claimed first in Poetry novice next-in.

Austin Hurt earned a third-place finish in Persuasive novice finals. Tucker Hardin won the Entertainment novice finals, and Hailey Giddings placed fifth. Hunter Elston captured first in Humorous novice finals, while Noel Onate finished first in Humorous next-in finals.

In duet competition, Kennedy and Kyah placed fifth in championship finals, while Dagen and Raven finished third in next-in finals.

In addition to the team’s competitive success, Sidney High School speech coach Mackenzie Ivie was recognized as an NSAA Champion for Coaches. The award honors coaches across Nebraska for their leadership and dedication to student activities.