Wagner Oral Interp was split on Thursday, October 17, as half the team traveled to Region Cross Country and the other half competed in the Lennox Oral Interp Invitational! Macee Stimpson, Samuel Kafka, and Portlyn Jones all competed in Lennox.

Stimpson and Kafka had their funny duet titled “Disconnect” (by John C. Havens), about a customer and a store clerk who banter about the location of deodorant, only to find out they have difficulty communicating. A hilarious study of specificity and etiquette ensure while their friendship blossoms. Everything you say can and will be twisted as these eccentric characters collide. The duo was awarded an “Excellent” award!

Kafka also performed his serious piece, “David in Goliath” by Patrick Gabridge. You’ve probably heard of the story of David and Goliath, where an underdog becomes victorious over a more powerful opponent. In this piece, the spirit of a dying young man tries desperately to communicate with his parents, who keep unrelenting vigil and refuse to let go of their beloved son, until his soul is released into God’s Kingdom. This powerful piece was awarded an “Excellent” award!

Jones, a newcomer to the Wagner troup, performed two pieces in her first competition. Her first piece, a comedy titled “Cheering my way into College” (by John C. Havens) shows an ultra-peppy cheerleader who can cheer her way into anything – even college, in front of the S.A.T. review board. This high-energy comedic monologue shows how far you can get by putting your best pom-pom forward. This piece is not one to miss! Jones received an “Excellent” on her comedy. Jones also performed in Poetry, a selection of pieces by Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman, we are walked through rising over obstacles and facing oppression, while accepting self-love. This powerful piece received an “Excellent Plus”!

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