by Sabrina Redlingshafer

After participating in a school-wide Shakespeare competition, two STA students were selected first place and alternate to compete in the Community round.

In early January, teachers encouraged STA students to participate in the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition that gives high school students the opportunity to analyze and perform Shakespearean monologues and sonnets for rewards, offering travel to New York City and money prizes.

STA English teacher Ms. Sarah Knopik implemented the competition this year.

“It’s a great experience for those students who love Shakespeare’s works and acting,” Knopik said. “It gives them a chance to show analytical thinking skills and dramatic speaking talents.”

Knopik considers the greatest benefit of participation is the force on students to closely read Shakespeare’s work and bring words to life, rather than writing a paper.

More than 10 STA students participated in the school-wide competition Feb. 13th. After students preformed a selected Shakespearean monologue in front of the Heart of America Shakespeare Company judges, sophomore Emma Mullen was selected winner, and junior Kate Sanders as her alternate.

“It was nerve-racking!” Sanders said. “I was honest with my interpretation and put everything I had out there. I’m honored to be alternate!”

Mullen’s history with Shakespearean acting, like partaking in Shakespeare camps, gave her confidence.

“When I read the school was doing this I was like ‘Oh my gosh I have to do that!,’” Mullen said. “I used lots of hand motions and a ton of facial expressions in my performance. I’m flattered and excited to have been chosen!”

Mullen will compete in the Community competition Feb. 26 against 15 other metro school winners. Here, they will perform their monologue and one Shakespearean sonnet. The local branch winners receive all-expenses-paid travel to Lincoln Center in New York City, where they will compete at the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. National winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to study acting in Shakespeare’s England homeland, or are offered scholarships and money prizes.

Emma must first exceed the Community competition Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Plaza Library in order to travel to New York. If Mullen cannot compete, Sanders will fulfill her position as alternate.

“I wish Emma a ton of luck and think she’ll do great!” alternate Kate Sanders said.

Knopik also believes Mullen will do well and is pleased with all participants of this year’s Shakespeare Competition.“I’m proud of the [students] for being brave to tackle this for the first time!” Knopik said. “The more opportunities we give the girls to compete, they show they can excel.”