High school students from Lake Oconee Academy continued their tradition of excellence on February 25, capturing the Region 8A-Division II Literary Championship for the sixth consecutive year.
The GHSA Literary Meet highlights student achievement across a wide range of academic and performance-based events, including Essay Writing, Extemporaneous Speaking, Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation, and Vocal Performance. The following LOA students earned first-place honors at the region level, advancing to the State Literary Meet:
● Argumentative Essay: Jessica White – 1st place
● Literary Analysis Essay: Emilia Viscarra – 1st place
● Extemporaneous Speaking (Domestic): Ava Shurling – 1st place
● Extemporaneous Speaking (International): Addison Kelley – 1st place
● Dramatic Interpretation: Natalie Doe – 1st place
● Girls Vocal Solo: Gabriella Boivin – 1st place
● Girls Vocal Trio: Linda Cason, Dakota Moon, Taylor Wheeler – 1st place
Two weeks later, LOA competed against top-performing schools from across Georgia at the State Literary Meet. Junior Natalie Doe earned the title of State Champion in Dramatic Interpretation, highlighting an outstanding showing for the team. Additional state placements included:
● Argumentative Essay: Jessica White – 3rd place
● Literary Analysis Essay: Emilia Viscarra – 3rd place
● Extemporaneous Speaking (Domestic): Ava Shurling – 3rd place
● Girls Vocal Trio: Linda Cason, Dakota Moon, Taylor Wheeler – 3rd place
As a team, Lake Oconee Academy placed 4th overall out of 27 schools in Class A Division II. This marks the fifth consecutive year LOA has finished among the top four teams in the state. LOA students were coached by faculty members Laura Brennan, Bobby Craig, Amy Reber, and Caroline St. John, whose leadership continues to foster a culture of excellence in literary competition.