Morris Area High School senior Zach Dietz recently qualified for the 2025 All-State Speech team.

To qualify for All-State, speakers must attain a set of milestones established by the Minnesota Speech Coaches Association. 

Qualifications include being a senior in high school and documented excellence in competition, including at least one appearance at the Minnesota State High School League State Speech Tournament. 

MCSA President-Elect, Travis Rother, stated, “These students are the best of the best. As seniors in this activity, they have used their words as powerful tools. We congratulate these students for their achievements and look forward to seeing their skills at use in the wider world.”

All-State students received their awards at the MSHSL State Speech Tournament last weekend at Shakopee High School.

Dietz also competed in the State Tournament for the fourth time last weekend.

Competing in the Discussion Category, Dietz placed fourth.

Dietz placed first in the discussion category in 2024, and fifth in 2023, making him a three-peat medalist.

Making it to the State Tournament in speech is no easy task. “You have to understand yourself,” Dietz said. “Someone can work tirelessly, but to make it to State, you have to be in a category that is catered to your abilities. To make it to State, you have to find the category that is right for you. Do not force yourself to be something you are not – do not compete in something you were not made for.” 

“Discussion simply felt right to me, it felt natural,” Dietz added. “Speech should not be about forcing yourself to compete, it should be about finding what you want to do, about finding a category that feels as if it is an extension of your own being. That is how you will succeed.” 

“Making the All-State team feels validating. Being chosen for this honor validates all of the work I have put in and hours I have sacrificed for Speech. Making All-State makes it feel like I was doing it right, that I was not just pointlessly wasting my Saturdays. It is a huge honor for me, and it makes me feel proud of all the work I have done.”

Dietz, a graduating senior, plans to attend the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where he will be studying business law and finance.