Juniors Mitchell Parker and Catherine La Valley attended the regional Shakespeare competition hosted by the English-Speaking Union of the United States on March 5.

Every year, local high schools in the D.C. metro area enter two students to perform a Shakespearean monologue and sonnet in front of judges. Those who placed in the regional competition were awarded cash prizes.

South Lakes had a school-wide competition to choose students to send to the regional event. Many students performed Shakespeare’s literary talent before judges.

La Valley decided to compete because she especially enjoys Shakespeare’s work.

She advanced to the finals, but did not place in the regional competition.

“I love the language of Shakespeare and I jumped at the opportunity to share my love with others who love his text,” said La Valley.

Parker, on the other hand, advanced to the regional Shakespeare competition, but was cut before the final competition.

“The competition was intense,” said Parker. “The people there were really good. I did it for the acting experience. It was fun.”