GREENSBORO, Ga. — High school students from Lake Oconee Academy competed March 5 at the Region 8A-Div. II literary meet and were named Region Champions for the fifth year in a row.

The competition focuses on student achievement in the areas of Essay Writing, Extemporaneous Speaking, Dramatic and Humorous Presentation, and Voice.

The following students received region honors in their individual events, advancing to the state meet:

–Essay, Personal: Jessica White, 1st place

–Essay, Literary Analysis: Maria Marquez, 1st place

–Extemporaneous Speaking, Domestic: Ava Shurling, 1st place

–Extemporaneous Speaking, International: Addison Kelley, 1st place

–Literary Interpretation, Humorous Solo: Natalie Doe, 1st place

–Literary Interpretation, Dramatic Solo: Lillian Garcia-Carreras, 1st place

–Literary Interpretation, Duo: Morgan Dell, Gracie Vandiver, 1st place

–Girls Vocal Solo: Jewell Morrison, 1st place

–Girls Vocal Trio: Gabriella Boivin, Lillian Garcia-Carreras, Jewell Morrison, 1st place

Two weeks later at the state literary meet, LOA competed against 27 other high schools in Georgia. They received enough individual event points to bring home the State Runner-Up trophy for the second time since 2022. Students brought home state runner-up medals in four individual events: Natalie Doe (Humorous Interpretation), Lillian Garcia-Carreras (Dramatic Interpretation), Morgan Dell and Gracie Vandiver (Duo Interpretation), and Gabriella Boivin, Lillian Garcia-Carreras and Jewell Morrison (Girls Vocal Trio). Other placements included:

–Extemporaneous Speaking, Domestic: Ava Shurling, 3rd place

–Girls Vocal Solo: Jewell Morrison, 4th place

This is the fourth year in a row when LOA has placed in the top-3 schools in the state of Georgia. Students who competed were coached by LOA teachers Bobby Craig, Amy Reber, Caroline St. John and Cara Sullivan.