May 11, 2026
The MPA speech team finished ranked 11th in the nation this past weekend—its best finish ever at NIETOC Nationals!
Ash Klann was a national finalist in Original Oratory, finishing sixth overall. Ash’s speech focused on the need for a new LGBTQ+ rights movement. Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh advanced to the semifinal round in Duo, finishing ninth overall with a humorous twist on “Titanic.”
Kelvyn Boddipalli and Oslo Norcross also advanced to the semifinal round in Duo, finishing 12th overall with a performance of “Men Against Fire,” an episode of Black Mirror. Andrew Buhr was tiebroken from the semifinal round in International Extemporaneous Speaking, finishing in the top 15.
Lucy Mayer finished one point shy of the semifinals in Original Oratory, ending her run in quarterfinals. Boddipalli also reached the quarterfinals in Humorous Interpretation.
Reaching the octafinals were Sidd Sastry in International Extemporaneous Speaking, Hazel Reid and Warner Reid in Duo, and Norcross in Informative Speaking.
The results continue a rapid rise in national success for the MPA speech team. Since 2024, the team has produced four champions, eight finalists, and 36 out-of-round appearances at national circuit tournaments. Congratulations, Panthers!
