Eight members of the Callaway speech team presented their performances to the public during a ‘Night of Speech’ on March 1 at Callaway High School.

The public performance not only provided friends, family and community members an opportunity to see the students present the events they have worked for months to perfect, but also was a great practice for the kids before heading into Districts this week. The team competed at the District meet on Monday in Bertrand, and came away with a district champion and state qualifier.

Tyra Brestel was the first to perform her poetry selection during the public presentation last week. Her rendition of “dumb blondes” brought lots of laughter from the audience, and obviously won over the district judges as well. Tyra won the gold medal at the District competition, and will move on to the state competition March 17 at Kearney High School.

Also performing during the speech night were Kelynn Witthuhn - serious; Brayden Keeney - entertainment; Kaygan Witthuhn - poetry; Chase Dishman - humorous; Chad Dishman - entertainment; and Chenney Dishman and Nadeema Haidle - duet.

Along with Brestel, other Callaway students placing at Districts were Nadeema Haidle, who finished 4th in serious and 6th in duet; Chenney Dishman, 5th in humorous and 6th in duet; and Chad Dishman, 5th in humorous.