This weekend, Kara qualified for the National Speech Tournament. On June 5th, 2021, we didn’t know if she would see June 6th. Now, after so much isolation and sadness, a true moment of triumph. 

It was more difficult than in the past to memorize her speech this year. But she did it. Then, for the first time ever, she memorized a second speech -with a partner. 

She performed both of them this weekend at the Southern MN National qualifying event. 

It is a really big deal to make it to Semi finals at this event. I mean, a big honor…. She did it in both categories. Drama and her Duo Interpretation. 

I mean… what?!?!

Then, she performed in her semi final rounds and advanced to the final round in both…

She was in a brace for 12 weeks. Had a hard time remembering anything from a few minutes ago. Now, she was at the doorstep of greatness that she had never achieved before (for that matter, it had been five years since anyone from Fairmont had done this, and years and years since anyone else had prior…). 

They announced her “duo” results first. 6th place out of the seven that made it to finals. Sad but happy moment. Sad that they missed their goal of the National Meet, but my goodness, even her older sister’s “duo” performance finished 7th at this meet in a year that they finished 3rd in the State meet. 

Then came her results in “drama”. A category she has been in since 7th grade. She was ranked third going into the finals. When the initial results came out she was placed 4th, however, due to rather complicated tie breaking rules, she made it to the National Tournament in Kentucky in June…

I was without words. 

She was so close to not being here. 

Struggled for months and months. 

and months…

Missed out on the fall musical…

Dropped out of choir and band, she just couldn’t keep up….

Now this, the highest achievement a High School speech kid can achieve….  The National Tournament!?

On June 5th, this was the farthest thing from anyone’s thoughts. Today, it is a reality. 

She is a tough kid. Strike that. She is a tough young woman. So happy and blessed that she is doing so well today…