Sioux Falls teen places 6th in National Speech and Debate tournament

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A Sioux Falls teenager is celebrating after ranking as a Top 10 finalist at the National Speech and Debate Tournament last week.

Siyanne Redda graduated from Washington High School in May, but her time as a Warrior wasn't quite over. Last week, she competed at the National Speech and Debate tournament in Des Moines.

"This is, this concludes like I guess my high school career with speech and debate and everything so it was a good way to end out my time with Washington," Siyanne Redda said. "So, I'm really happy with that."

She ended it on a high note by placing 6th nationally in the tournament.

"It meant a lot to me. This has been something that I've wanted to do for such a long time," Siyanne Redda said. "We watch these videos of people performing on that final stage as a learning experience, like how do I be like them, how do I make their speech as good as theirs."

Siyanne Redda is no stranger to giving a good speech, whether it's on the debate stage, at graduation or in front of the City of Sioux Falls.

"My hope for you, Sioux Falls, while I look for growth in my own life is that you maintain that strong sense of who you are. That tight-knit, supportive community as you grow too," Siyanne Redda said during the 2024 State of the City address.

Her family couldn't be prouder of all her accomplishments.

"Siyanne is someone who sets goals for herself and works hard to achieve those goals and this is paying off," Adane Redda, Siyanne Redda's dad, said. "She's going to do great things in future to change people's lives."