By Mavis Fodness- Rock County Star Herald
Luverne High School junior Zander Carbonneau earned a seventh-place finish Friday during the Class A Minnesota State High School Speech Tournament in Shakopee.
Carbonneau was one of the top eight students chosen for the extemporaneous speaking finals.
Friday’s event was his fourth state tournament appearance.
“The final round of extemporaneous speaking at state tournament is always a highlight,” he said. “It’s a great experience to compete against some of the state’s top speakers and talk with them afterward.”
In 2023 Carbonneau placed fifth in the same category.
“He works very hard at this category,” said coach Gavin Folkestad. “It is not surprising that he has achieved this level of success.”
He was joined at Friday’s tournament by senior Brianna Kinsinger, junior Tyler Hodge and senior Xavier McKenzie.
Kinsinger competed in creative expression, finishing 18th. She returned to the state tournament having first competed in 2023.
Hodge, who competed in last year’s state tournament, returned to finish 24th in discussion.
McKenzie competed in his first state tournament, finishing 23rd in great speeches.
Each speaker competed in three rounds, and the top eight speakers were invited to compete in the final round for medals.
“Scores can vary wildly at this level of competition, and it often comes down to small details and the preference of the judges – to place well enough in each round to make finals is a challenge, to say the least,” said Folkestad.
He was assisted this season by teacher Morgan Van Holland.
To compete at the state tournament, each speaker placed in the top three in their category in section competition, including students from Luverne.
“Being among the elite in their categories throughout the entire state of Minnesota is an impressive feat,” Folkestad said. “I’m proud of all the competitors.”