Wagner Oral Interp sent a small team for their opening competition Saturday, October 4, Those who competed in the first Mitchell Christian School Eagles Invitation included Portlyn Jones, Braelyn Jones, Anjali Zephier, and Taya Stone.

The Jones twins performed their duet titled “Identitical” (by Danielle Castillo), in which sibling rivalry is pushed to the limits between the characters who are also twins. The twins, although identical in looks, are not truly identical and compete for attention. The ending is truly surprising. The duo was awarded an “Superior” award!

Braelyn, in her first competition, performed in Poetry, a selection of pieces from “The Crossover” by Kwame. This unique piece combines lessons in basketball, love, and loss. This powerful piece received a “Superior”!

Portlyn shared her moving piece titled, “Eight Stories Up: Trapped in a Private Hell” in the Storytelling category. The story gives a glimpse into the mind of those struggling with mental health. This is such a timely and necessary piece. This powerful piece was awarded an “Excellent Plus” award!

Stone performed her serious piece, “Taking Back the Words” by John C. Havens, a monologue by Charlie trying to salvage a relationship after speaking something truly hurtful. This powerful piece was awarded an “Excellent Plus” award!

Zephier, a newcomer to the Wagner troupe, performed two pieces in her first competition. Her first piece, a short story titled “The Pedestrian” (by Ray Bradbury) shows that isolation doesn’t always prove independence. This mysterious science fiction piece questions societal norms and an individual’s mental health. This piece, which received an “Excellent Plus”, is not one to miss! Zephier received a “Superior” for her poetry. She has chosen a collection of poems from Whereas by Layli Long Soldier and Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton.

The Wagner Oral Interp team performed well in Mitchell and is off to a great start!