Thomas County Central High School Literary team claimed second place in the Georgia High School Association Region 1-5A Literary Competition.
“In the past, we have had students place first in their respective category, but this year we placed second overall, which is huge,” adviser Gabrielle McMullen said.
Warner Robins High School hosted the event at Theatre Macon in Macon Wednesday, Feb. 26. Fifteen of TCCHS’ competitors placed in 12 categories. The team’s quartet advanced to the state meet this March.
Junior Jared Giddens, 17, is a quartet member.
“It was a really exciting experience,” he said. “I was happy to represent my school. We performed ‘Sing Your Way Home’ and ‘Now Look Away.’”
Students began preparing for the meet in August of last year.
“The kids all worked so hard,” McMullen said. “I am so proud of each student, even the ones who placed third or fourth or didn’t place. It wasn’t because they were bad; it’s just because other schools also brought their A-game.”
Sophomore Jack Cantrell, 15, earned second place in the Extemporaneous Speaking – Domestic category. He prepared and delivered short speeches on specific topics.
“I’m really impressed with my second-place result,” he said. “It shows that I can compete and do well with little to no preparation.”
Sophomore Laura Hiers, 16, performed in a girls’ trio.
“We learned two pieces in three-part harmony, and it was my first time singing anything like that,” she said. “I enjoyed the experience. I’m really proud of the work that everyone put forth for this competition.”
Junior Rachel “Ta’sina” Copeland, 17, competed with partner Stephen Sykes in the Oral Performance – Duo category. They earned third for their dramatic scene from “Doubt.”
“I’m happy with my placement,” she said. “I know we tried our best. It means a lot to me.”
For people unfamiliar with literary, McMullen explains its method and why schools should offer it.
“Literary is an academic and creative competition that showcases many different talents,” she said. “Students compete in writing, debate, acting and singing. Schools should offer it because unlike other competitions, it really shows how well rounded our schools and students are.”
Participation is great for students looking for new connections, adds Cantrell.
“It can be a chance to meet new students who share the same interests as you and some that have different ones,” he said.
Hiers appreciates how literary allows students to develop and showcase their creativity.
“It’s an opportunity for artistic-minded people to compete doing the things they’re passionate about,” she said.
Also, literary teaches participants responsibility and preparation, Copeland concludes.
The GHSA state literary meet is March 21 at Buford High School.
Excited for state, Giddens and his fellow quartet members are preparing for the competition.
“All four of us are gonna work even harder so that we’ve got a good chance of winning,” he said.
Currently, the quartet is the only group advancing to state, but this could change, McMullen said. Placers in Boys Solo, international and domestic extemporaneous speaking, all essay categories, and humorous oral performance are alternates.
“So, in case any of the people who placed first are unable to attend state, they move into their spot,” she said.
TCCHS GHSA LITERARY MEET PLACERS
Essay – Personal ~ Emma Goff, 2nd place
Essay – Argumentative ~ Danielle Sauls, 2nd place
Essay – Rhetorical ~ Joshua Stephens, 2nd place
Quartet ~ Kaleb Ward, Jared Giddens, Jordan L. Jones, Stephen Sykes, 1st place
Boys Solo ~ Stephen Sykes, 2nd place
Trio ~ Laura Hiers, Megan Schminky, Britney White, 3rd place
Girls Solo ~ Britney White, 4th place
Extemporaneous Speaking – International ~ Norman Desourdy, 2nd place
Extemporaneous Speaking – Domestic ~ Jack Cantrell, 2nd place
Oral Performance – Humorous ~ Molly Grace White, 2nd place
Oral Performance – Dramatic ~ Cameron Parker, 3rd place
Oral Performance – Duo ~ Rachel “Ta'sina” Copeland and Stephen Sykes, 4th place