Members finished first in respective events
Information provided by District 215
LANSING, Ill. (March 5, 2023) – Thornton Fractional North High School’s six-member speech team made history on Saturday, February 18 in Peoria during the state tournament, obtaining three championship event placements, including a “Double State Champion,” and finishing with an overall team ranking of third in state. This is the highest team achievement in the school’s history.
Two TFN students led the way and earned a first-place finish at state in their respective events. Destinee Owens performed in two events — Humorous Interpretation for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Oratorical Declamation for Amplify Your Life and Achieve Prosperity by Lisa Nichols. Saniya Boyed-Morris performed in Special Occasion Speaking for LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX!
Three other students also placed at the state competition. Christiana Oluwole finished third in state in Original Comedy for O Afirika, Aririka Mi. John McBeth III finished fourth in state in Poetry Reading for Black Boy, No Joy: A Program. Tyren Ollie and Joi Terrell finished fourth in Humorous Duet Acting for Basic Training by Margaret Erickson.
Christiana Oluwole was also named an Honorable Mention to the 30th Annual IHSA All-State Academic team. She was one of fifty students out of nearly 500 nominations received.
“I am incredibly proud of our scholars and their accomplishments including how they represented TFD215 with maturity and pride,” Superintendent Dr. Sophia Jones-Redmond said. “They are examples of the excellence that exists in our schools and communities. The commitment to excellence Coaches Posley and May continue to reinforce to the team has truly come to fruition.”
Mr. Brian Rucinski, TF North Principal added, “These awards demonstrate how talented and hard-working the students and coaches are. There is no doubt they are incredible people and as such, destined for greatness in whatever path life takes them.”
TF North is located at 755 Pulaski Road in Calumet City.
