DeKALB – The DeKalb High School Forensics team placed first out of 26 qualifying teams at the IHSA Sectional Speech tournament on Feb. 9 at Sterling High School. DHS advanced in nine of 15 events to the IHSA State Finals Feb. 15 and 16. State results were not available at press time.

State qualifiers were Andrew Stratton and Lauren Zelaya (second place sectional, Dramatic Duet Acting); Jacob Maas (second place sectional, Extemporaneous Speaking); Chris Clark and Sarah Jilek (first place sectional, Humorous Duet Acting); Kelsey Faivre (second place sectional, Impromptu Speaking and Original Oratory); Jaylene Jennings (third place sectional, Informative Speaking); Andrew Stratton (second place sectional, Prose Reading); Sam Ihm (first place sectional, Radio Speaking) and Dennes Spyratos (first place sectional, Special Occasion Speaking).

2013 is the ninth consecutive year DHS has won the sectional championship. Earlier this season, the team won its ninth straight conference title and its 12th straight regional title.