St. Mary’s School eighth grade students who competed in the persuasive speech contest included first row from left, Edith Ramirez, Claire Vinklarek, Russell Luy, Lorelei Weinheimer, Aislin Hicks, Leo Eilers and Grace Williams; second row, Mia Grandjean, Carter Jones, Caelyn Vollmar, Alex Simmons, Lana Jenschke, Ella Mallincrodt, Ella Money and Chelsea Sanchez; third row, Aubrey Thompson, Lennon Seidenberger, Allie Seidenberger, Garrison Ottmers, John Edwards, Will Crain, Sadie Lee and Anthony Eilers; fourth row, Cash Cox, Kyle Moellendorf, Alex Schaefer, Mackenzie Love, Haziel Alva, Coco Ahern, Hudson Cunningham and Matthew Haas; fifth row, Baker Bailey, Brantley Barter, Campbell Jones, Kaden Beyer, Cort Loftin, Jaxson Ryon and Hunter Moellendorf. – Submitted photo