RV students perform at All-State Speech Festival

Nate Cockburn (left) and Casey Herron were recently selected as Outstanding Performers at the Iowa High School Speech Association All-State Festival. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

CEDAR FALLS - The 31st annual Iowa High School Speech Association All-State Festival of Individual Events was held recently at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Two students from River Valley High School had been selected as Outstanding Performers at the State contest, and qualified for an appearance at the Festival.

Senior Nate Cockburn, the son of Deb Cockburn of Washta and Curtis Cockburn of Quimby, performed a Prose Selection, entitled "The Sensuous Angler;" and freshman Casey Herron, the son of Kandy and Bob Herron of Quimby, performed a Literary Program, entitled "First Love."

Nearly 9,000 students started competition at the District level, and being chosen to perform at the Festival was quite an honor for the two young men, who are coached by Jane Lenz.