Walerius named All-State in speech

Minneota senior Katie Walerius was recently selected to the 2021 Minnesota Speech Coaches Association All-State team.
Walerius, the lone senior on this year's Minneota team, was also the lone state qualifier after placing third in Original Oratory at the Section 3A virtual live meet on Saturday, April 17.
Walerius did not advance to the final of the state competition this past Saturday, but enjoyed a successful final campaign by placing high in a number of events throughout the season.
There a total of 122 students that qualified for the All-State team.
MSCA President Kasey Wacker stated, “During the past year, Minnesota speech students have shown great resilience, and our organization is excited to recognize our outstanding seniors with the All-State Award.”
To qualify for All-State recognition, speakers must achieve a series of milestones established by the MSCA.
Those qualifications include being a senior in high school, documented excellence in competition, including competing on subsection/section teams and at least one appearance at the MSHSL State Speech Tournament, and utilizing their speech skills in at least three other activities, such as National Honor Society, dramatics, or athletics.
Community engagement is also part of the qualifying criteria.
The All-State students received their awards after the 2021 MSHSL State Speech Tournament on April 23 and 24.