When most people hear "speech competition," they imagine nervous students delivering informational presentations. For Harrisburg High School senior Bella Teston, it's something far more powerful—a transformative art form that recently earned her the title of state champion.

Teston captured first place in Prose Reading at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Speech Competition with her moving interpretation of Grace Tolusan's memoir "The Body Papers," a challenging piece addressing sexual assault. She also placed sixth in the state for Humorous Interpretation, demonstrating her remarkable versatility as a performer.

"It's not just giving information," Teston explains. "For the type of speeches I deliver, it's acting. I find a script, perform it as different characters, not as myself."

Her championship journey represents the culmination of four years of dedication, perseverance, and a significant shift in mindset. Like many competitors, Teston initially focused on external validation—the medals and accolades that come with winning. Over time, her perspective evolved.

"When I started, it was like, 'I've got to get all these medals, I've got to be the best,'" she reflects. "That works to some extent because everyone knows if you put your mind to something, you can do it. But if your heart is not in it, it's not going to last."

The transformation came when she began performing for herself rather than seeking outside approval. "I switched my mindset from having the obligation to prove to everyone else that I was the best to finding that I want to perform these pieces for me," she says.

That personal connection to her material has fueled remarkable consistency. Teston has qualified for the state competition every year of her high school career, an achievement few can claim. She has earned a spot on the Southern Illinois Speech League's Top 25 performers list all four years—starting at 14th place as a freshman before climbing to first place sophomore through senior year.

Speech competition demands extraordinary commitment. The season stretches from September through February, with competitors advancing through regional and sectional tournaments before reaching the two-day state finals. At each level, performers deliver their pieces multiple times in preliminary rounds before potentially advancing to finals.

"It's a bit different from doing a team-based activity because it's all on you," Teston notes.

That individual responsibility is amplified by the subjective nature of the judging. "It's really just three different adults deciding if they liked what you did or not," she explains. "It depends on the day, the time, and how well you perform."

Throughout her high school career, Teston has embraced diverse performance styles, from dramatic pieces to "crazy, over-the-top comedic events." When asked to choose a favorite, she hesitates: "Each speech calls for a different part of you."

Speech is just one facet of Teston's artistic expression. The youngest of eight siblings, she follows in the footsteps of two older siblings who also competed on the Harrisburg speech team. Beyond speech, she participates in student council, color guard with the marching Bulldogs, and is an active member of the theater department.

Her theatrical talents recently earned her a coveted spot in the Illinois High School Theatre Festival's all-state production of "The Prom," alongside her best friend and fellow senior Natalie Beck.

As she prepares to graduate, Teston plans to study theater education at a four-year university, with private liberal arts colleges like Knox and Monmouth high on her list of considerations.

"A lot of my life is filled with my extracurriculars," she admits. "It's going to be kind of hard to leave all that here. But I know these programs are in good hands, and I just hope I get to continue doing what I love to do."

For Bella Teston, going the extra mile isn't just about winning championships—it's about finding her authentic voice and using it to move audiences with stories that matter.