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Lemont High School senior Nora Thornber has earned the school's first speech state medal in four years. Thornber secured third place in Impromptu Speaking at the 2025 IHSA Speech State Finals, held on February 21-22 at the Peoria Civic Center.
In Impromptu Speaking, participants deliver an original expository oral presentation based on their own content and style. Thornber advanced to the state finals following a runner-up finish at the IHSA Thornton Sectional.
Lemont High School placed fourth at the IHSA Southland College Prep Regional. Alongside Thornber, seniors Julianna Duran (Radio Speaking) and Shea Holt (Dramatic Interpretation), as well as junior Jasmine Greene (Special Occasion Speaking), all claimed regional titles. The school advanced entries to sectional competition in 10 out of 15 events.
The head coach of Lemont's speech team, Phil Lazzari, led his team to win its 16th consecutive South Suburban Conference-Blue Division title this season, with Holt securing an SSC title in Dramatic Interpretation.
Over the years, Lemont has consistently performed well, advancing entries to state finals competition in 12 out of 17 seasons. Notably, they had a record four state qualifiers in both 2022 and 2024. From each of six IHSA Sectionals, the top three performers from each of the 15 events advance to the IHSA State Finals.
Among past achievements, Delia Ercoli ‘11 and Alana Nisperos ‘24 are notable for competing in two state finals events within a single year. Nisperos also stands out as the only student from Lemont to qualify multiple times for state finals in Informative Speaking during both 2022 and 2024.
Several students have made significant contributions over time: Aubree Tally ‘13 qualified twice; Elle Jeffress ‘23 participated twice; Nick Lambrakis ‘15 was a two-time qualifier; Nour Longi ‘21 competed twice; and Alana Nisperos ‘24 is recognized for competing in three different state finals events.
A detailed list of Lemont’s finalists includes notable performances across various categories such as Dramatic Interpretation by Destina Sarussi '24 (2022), Extemporaneous Speaking by Max Schuette '24 (2024), Humorous Interpretation by Lauren Rearden '21 (2020), among others.
The only students from Lemont who have won an IHSA Sectional title include Reema Dhawan (Special Occasion Speaking, 2020), Nick Lambrakis (Oratorical Declamation, 2014), Nour Longi (Radio Speaking, 2021), Alana Nisperos (Informative Speaking, 2024), and Max Schuette (Extemporaneous Speaking, 2024).
