GYPSUM, Colorado — Eagle Valley High School's speech and debate team recorded a hugely successful showing at the Colorado state speech meet hosted last Friday and Saturday at Heritage High School in Littleton.

This is the second year that Eagle Valley competed at the state meet, more than doubling its number of entries from 2009. A total of 16 students competed in seven categories, and 13 students earned awards for their achievements.

As part of their event, students perform in three rounds. After the results from those rounds have been tabulated, the top six students in that category advance to finals. Places 7-12 are recognized as semifinalists. It is considered a top honor to place in the top 12 of any category. Awards are given to students who fell just shy of placing in the top 12.

Eagle Valley had three students advance to finals and seven students make the list of semifinalists in their respective categories. Cassidy Kuhn won first place in value debate. Peter Cirkovic placed second in creative storytelling and Carly Wick placed sixth in dramatic interpretation.

Complete results were as follows:

Cassidy Kuhn — first place, value debate

Peter Cikovic —second place, creative storytelling; 10th place, impromptu speaking

Carly Wick — sixth place; dramatic interpretation

Will Brendza and Shawn Miks — eight place, duet humor

Jason Cirkovic — 10th place, original oratory

Zoe Thrasher — 10th place, solo acting

Jessica Kline — 10th place, value debate

Byron Crawford — 11th place, value debate

Lanie Sheldon — 12th place, original oratory

James Sanchez — excellent award, value debate

Eddie Zapata — excellent award, dramatic interpretation

Derek Kaspar — Eexcellent award, impromptu speaking

Also competing at the state meet were Rodrigo Hernandez (creative storytelling), Dylan Trudeau (impromptu speaking) and Jocelyn Pacheco (impromptu speaking).