LINCOLN - Ellie Higgins was the highest individual scorer in the entire Lincoln High School Speech Meet Friday to lead Nebraska City in their only meet before the holiday break.

Higgins earned the "Triathlon Award" after being named the champion in serious prose, runner-up in humorous prose and sixth in impromptu speaking. The "Triathlon Award" goes to individuals who score the most points in a meet.

"We are an exceptionally young team this year, but it is clear the new members to the team are very passionate for the activity," Pioneers Coach Justin Aaberg said. "I am eager to see their performances throughout the season and to see the progress that they will make this year."

This year's team includes Higgins, Nick Hower, Izabella Earll, Marcus Bartman, Kiera Rakowski, Valerie Bennie, Kelly Gonzalez, Katelynne Howell, Isabelle Bare, Eric Poggemeyer, Dalton Cooper and Elijah McNeely.

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