Sophomores Devlyn Jochum and Kaley Rajewski qualified for state forensics, which was held virtually from the Hays High library on Saturday, May 1.

Jochum competed in the prose event, however, she did not place.

“I chose to read a cut from L.M. Montgomery’s ‘Anne of Green Gables,’ specifically the chapter ‘Mrs. Rachel Lynde is Properly Horrified,’” Jochum said. “I chose it because I love Anne’s dramatic outbursts’ and seeing as I share her red hair, it just seemed meant to be.”

Like Jochum, Rajewski also competed in prose.

“I chose to do prose over a book called ‘Dear Dumb Diary: School. Hasn’t This Gone on Long Enough?’ by Jim Benton,” Rajewski said. “I did this book because it was one of my favorites when I was younger and thought it would be fun to act out.”

Rajewski tied two other competitors for first ranking with 25 speaker points.

“I was honestly really surprised when I found out my scoring,” Rajewski said. “I thought I did okay but wasn’t expecting to place since it’s only my first year. Though, I’m really happy that I got the placement that I got and competed.”

With the forensics season ending, taking first at state could not have been a better way to end the season.

“I’m really glad that I decided to do forensics this year and had the opportunity to not only compete but make new friends,” Rajewski said. “I think everything that happened this year for forensics went way better than expected.”

Both Rajewski and Jochum said they are ready for the forensics season next year.

“My first thought is that I need to think of some excellent pieces for next year,” Jochum said. “I also want to try new events. My second thought is that I can’t wait to get back to normal (in person) next year, as I presume it will be.”

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