Jefferson High School Speech Team enthusiastically invites you to the 10th Annual Top of the State Speech Tournament on January 27th, 2024.

 

Obviously, we can't know with 100% certainty what January will look like, but our intent is to do Top of the State in our traditional manner, including...

-- novice and varsity divisions

-- 2 prelims (one single judged, one double judged) and finals for novice and varsity (triple judged), as well as next-in finals.  (novice finals MAY be eliminated IF judge numbers are low)

 

We are late in the season. In keeping with our "regional prep" philosophy, this tournament will match as close as humanly possible to the format the IHSA uses for State Series.  We will strive to give competitors and coaches the most useful experience possible to prepare for the following weekend.

 

Whatever it turns out to be, we will make it the most valuable and approachable tournament we can be.  We will certainly keep coaches apprised as the situation clarifies.  Some decisions have already been made, however.

 

Entry fees have to change this year (I'm sorry - we held strong for 4 years!)  This year will have to be $150, $200 for 28 entries and above.  Last year (largely due to weather-related cancellations) our tournament lost money, and if that happens again our AD will no longer allow us to run Top of the State.  We will return to our team awards including both team sweeps AND the "small team" division (20 entries or less) as well.

 

Hope to see you at the Top of the State Tournament!

 

Douglas McArthur 815-874-9536

Jefferson High School 

4145 Samuelson Rd, Rockford IL 61109