FCHS Wins 5th State Speech Championship

For the 5th time in eight years, Fluvanna’s Speech team won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) 3C state championship. In the event on March 25, Fluvanna took first place with 24 points, Brookville placed second with 17, and Lafayette placed third with a total of 16 points.

Many Flucos placed at States, including the following:

Senior Seamus Sensabaugh – 1st in Impromptu

Junior Jackson Farley – 1st in HI (Hilarious interpretation)

Senior Ryan Taylor and freshman Maddie Gifford – 2nd in Serious Duo

Senior Paola Gomez-Melgares – 2nd in Prose

Senior Ella Kearney – 2nd in OO (Original Oratory)

Sophomore Tomas CruzVega – 2nd in Storytelling

Junior Kessler Potter – 3rd in Exempt

Sophomore Townes Mullinex – 3rd in DI (Dramatic Interpretation)

Junior Sam Carter – 4th in Humorous Duo,

Junior Allison Monfalcone – 4th in Humorous Duo

Junior Abby White – 4th in Poetry

Senior Ben Bassong and junior Kyle Landes – 5th in Humorous Duo

“It was a total team effort. This is without a doubt, one of the strongest, hardest-working teams I have been lucky enough to coach,” said Forensics Coach Craig Edgerton. “Everyone stuck together the entire season, and through every level of competition. They stood by each other and supported each other. Our goal from the start was to have fun first, make a friend, and if we’re lucky enough, maybe win. It was a good year,” he added. 

Fluvanna placed 1st at States in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. They placed 2nd in 2017 and 2021. The state championship was canceled in 2020 due to Covid.