Speech Team Wins ‘Judges Choice’ as Students Raise Thousands for Charity

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025

Article Summary:
The Manhattan School District 114 Board recognized the Manhattan Junior High School speech team for securing a “Judges Choice” award and highlighted significant charitable fundraising efforts by the student body. Student Council members raised over $2,200 for the Angel Tree Network, and a memorial fundraiser generated nearly $1,900.

Student Achievements Key Points:

• Speech Victory: Students Roman Turnick, Liam Donahue, and Jack Johnson won a “Judges Choice” award and a Division 1 rating for their performance.

• Charity Fundraising: The Student Council raised over $2,200 for the Angel Tree Network, purchasing gifts for seven local children.

• Memorial Fund: A spirit wear fundraiser collected approximately $1,900 to build a permanent memorial for two late students.

• Athletics: The 7th-grade girls’ basketball team advanced to sectionals, and the 8th-grade team reached regionals.

The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, began its meeting by celebrating student achievements in the arts and community service.

Mrs. Molitor, the speech team sponsor, introduced three students—Roman Turnick, Liam Donahue, and Jack Johnson—who received a Division 1 rating and the “Judges Choice” award at a recent competition. The trio performed a skit where one student attempted to turn his brother into Frankenstein to pass a science class.

“This is the first time in a long time we’ve had kids get some sort of award,” Molitor said, noting that the students write, memorize, and act out their skits without costumes or props.

In addition to academic and artistic success, the board heard updates on student philanthropy. Principal Kim Maher reported that the Student Council raised over $2,200 through the Angel Tree Network. Eighth-grade students used the funds to go shopping, purchasing holiday gifts for seven local children.

Furthermore, a spirit wear fundraiser organized to honor the memory of two late students raised approximately $1,900. These funds will be used to create a permanent memorial on campus, with planning expected to begin in May.

“The students decided to wear hats from students for them,” noted a board discussion regarding the “school park” spirit day associated with the fundraiser.

On the athletic front, the board acknowledged the resurgence of the girls’ basketball program. The 7th-grade team advanced to sectionals in Champaign, falling to Mahomet-Seymour, while the 8th-grade team reached the regional level. Administrators noted that nearly 85 girls recently tried out for volleyball, signaling continued growth in extracurricular participation.