Wagner School District was well-represented at the 116th Annual South Dakota Oral Interpretation Festival held this weekend in Watertown, where students showcased their speaking and performance talents among competitors from across the state. The state competition continues to celebrate student excellence in South Dakota fine arts.

At the festival, ratings are determined by a panel of three judges. To earn a superior rating, a performer must receive superior marks from two of the three judges. The highest honor possible is Superior with Distinction, awarded only to performers who receive perfect scores from all three judges.

Matthew Kokes delivered a standout performance in the Humorous category with his selection Thank You for Texting by Camilia Vasquez earning a superior rating. His strong stage presence and well place comedic timing impressed both judges and audience members. Kokes had the audience cackling as he delivered his sarcastic line, frequently quoted by the Wagner Oral Interp team in relevant situations, “It’s ok. It’s fine. It’s not important right now.”

Sisters Braelyn and Portlyn Jones also brought home superior honors. The duo received a superior rating for their performance of Identical by Danielle Castillo, demonstrating strong chemistry, timing, and emotional expression. In their final performance, the Jones twins took the identical twin characters for one final spin.

Rounding out Wagner’s contingent, Taya Stone presented her Non-Original Oratory selection, Confessions of a Depressed Comic by Kevin Breel. Her performance highlighted her poise and command of spoken language. In the selection Breel ends by saying, “…because the only way we're going to beat a problem that people are battling alone is by standing strong together”. By choosing this selection, Stone reiterated the importance of having conversations about mental health and depression. Stone had a strong showing for the Wagner team.

As coach I’m so proud of the students for their hard work, preparation, and professionalism throughout the event.

Wagner’s participants returned home proud of their achievements and already dreaming of next year's Oral Interp season.