3-26-26 Riverside CSD Update:
Riverside Community School senior Cassie Peterson is wrapping up an impressive final year, highlighted by major accomplishments in music and speech, including a trip to the All-State Speech Festival. Peterson, who participates in a wide range of activities including band, choir, speech, and cheer, recently returned from a successful jazz band trip and is finishing up her final season of jazz choir. Her involvement spans nearly every music-related opportunity at Riverside, along with competitive speech and cheerleading.
In speech competition, Peterson explained the progression from district to state and ultimately to All-State. At district speech, performers are evaluated by a judge and must earn a top rating to advance. At the state level, students perform again for multiple judges, and those receiving top nominations can advance to All-State.
This year, Peterson and two other Riverside students—Emma Stone and Sydney Bellinger—were selected for All-State in solo musical theater, marking a notable achievement for the program.
Peterson described the experience as both exciting and rewarding, especially as the group celebrated together when the selections were announced.
Beyond competition, Peterson says her involvement in activities has helped build confidence. She noted that as a freshman, she was hesitant to speak in front of others, but now feels comfortable performing and communicating in a variety of settings.
After graduation, Peterson plans to attend Iowa State University to major in vocal music education, with the goal of becoming a high school choir teacher and potentially pursuing opportunities at the collegiate level in the future.
As her senior year winds down, Peterson still has large group music contests ahead before graduation. She encourages younger students to get involved in as many activities as possible, saying the experiences and relationships gained are well worth it.
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