Southland College Prep Brings Home Two State Championships in Speech

RICHTON PARK, ILL—February 24, 2025—Southland College Prep Charter High School placed first in two categories in the Illinois High School Association’s State Speech Series this weekend in Peoria, Ill. Five Southland students competed in three categories: Humorous Duet Acting, Dramatic Duet Acting and Oratorical Declamation.

Junior Courtney Clemons was named the state champion in Oratorical Declamation with her performance of “The Power of Vulnerability.” Seniors and twin brothers Jeremiah and Jacob Smith earned first place in Humorous Duet Acting with their piece, “A Teenager’s Guide to Surviving a Horror Movie: Run! Run! Run!”

Seniors Dajia Alford and Asiah Lee placed fifth in the state in Dramatic Duet Acting performing “The Mountaintop” by Katori Hall.

“These accomplishments are a testament to the passion, talent and perseverance of our students,” said Southland CEO Dr. Blondean Y. Davis. “We are so proud of all of these young people for representing our community with excellence.”

Dr. Davis also noted the work of the coaching staff. Cheryl Frazier, co-head coach of Southland’s Speech Team, founded the speech and forensics program at Southland. Under her leadership, Southland’s speech team and speech team members have won eight state championships as well as national titles. Other members of the coaching staff include co-head coach Cara Aljoe and assistant coaches Malik Bibbie, John Anderson, Christopher Arnold, Terrence Mayfield and Deiarah Wright.