The Salem Speech team set a new VHSL record on Saturday, March 29, by winning its 19th straight state Speech-Forensics championships. All 19 titles have been won consecutively. On Monday night, May 12, Council formally honored the team bypassing Resolution 1496.

WHEREAS, with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm, the City of Salem champions the development of its young people by providing an array of opportunities in both the academic and sporting arenas; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, our youth have excelled in both areas, bringing numerous accolades to the city and school division; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Mark Ingerson led another dominant Speech competition team at Salem High School to its 19th consecutive state championship in March of 2025 on its home turf; and

WHEREAS, this championship set the all-time record for the most team championships in Virginia High School League history for any athletic or academic team; and

WHEREAS, the team’s 39-11 title clinching victory over E.C. Glass High School was was a true team effort with 13 students placing in the top 3 and accounting for 5 state titles out of 10 events; and

WHEREAS, the team was led by Senior Claire Rawlins who won her second straight state championships in Impromptu Speaking, marking the 100th individual state championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, Senior Charlie Bain won the state championship in Serious Dramatic; and

WHEREAS, Juniors Lacey Stratton and Bella Poarch won the state title in Humorous Duo; and

WHEREAS, Freshman Rosalie Botos won the state championship in Prose Interpretation; and

WHEREAS, Senior Hall Blackwood finished as runner-up in Storytelling; and

WHEREAS, Senior Rebekah Steinweg finished as runner-up in Extemporaneous Speaking; and

WHEREAS, Junior Parneet Gill finished as runner-up in Original Oratory; and

WHEREAS, Freshman Tara Farrokhpoor finished as runner-up in Serious Dramatic; and

WHEREAS, Senior Noah Lovern finished as runner-up in Humorous Interpretation; and

WHEREAS, Seniors Connor Smythers and Colton Easter finished third in Serious Duo; and

WHEREAS, Junior Brenasha Devlin finished third in Prose Interpretation; and

WHEREAS, Junior Ariana Turner finished third in Humorous Interpretation; and

WHEREAS, Eighth grader Caden Smythers finished third in Storytelling; and

WHEREAS, Freshmen Aly Ory and Zippy Elliott supported the team by competing in Humorous Duo at the state tournament; and

WHEREAS, Eighth grader Tori Iverson and freshman Lori Lowry supported the team by competing in Serious Duo at the state tournament; and

WHEREAS, Senior Kaelyn Henzey provided outstanding support to the team throughout the season in her role as team manager; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, Council joins with the citizens of the City of Salem in saluting the amazing achievements of this Speech Dynasty and Head Coach Mark Ingerson.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the coaches and each team member and that a copy be placed on display at Salem High School.