LHS Senior Earns Third Place IHSA Speech State Finals Medal

LEMONT, IL — Making her state finals debut, Lemont High School senior Nora Thornber picked up the school’s first speech state medal in four years, according to a release from LHS. Thornber placed third in Impromptu Speaking at the 2025 IHSA Speech State Finals, which were contested on Feb. 21-22 at the Peoria Civic Center.

In the Impromptu Speaking category, students provide an original expository oral presentation using their own content, format, style and thoughts. Thornber advanced to the state finals after a runner-up finish at the IHSA Thornton Sectional, the school said.

Lemont placed fourth at the IHSA Southland College Prep Regional, the school said. Thornber, seniors Julianna Duran (Radio Speaking) and Shea Holt (Dramatic Interpretation), and junior Jasmine Greene (Special Occasion Speaking) all won regional titles. Lemont advanced entries to sectional competition in 10 of 15 events.

Head coach Phil Lazzari’s team won its 16th straight South Suburban Conference-Blue Division crown this season, with Holt securing an SSC title in Dramatic Interpretation.

According to the school, Lemont has advanced an entry to state finals competition in 12 of 17 seasons, with a school record four state qualifiers in both 2022 and 2024. The top three performers (including third place ties) from each of 15 events at six IHSA Sectionals advance to the IHSA State Finals.