On a day the school celebrated its first state sports team championship with an assembly, two students were making a little history of their own.

Just as the gymnasts did in the clutch on the state stage last month, Auburn Mountainview High School’s Jonathan Kropp and Sireh Bojang hope to bring back something golden from the state speech and debate competition at the University of Puget Sound on Saturday.

Kropp, a senior, and Bojang, a sophomore, are the first students in the school’s five-year history to reach the state speech and debate circle.

“I’m definitely excited about it,” said the articulate Kropp, who will compete in two speech categories, expository and oratory, on the UPS podium. “We hope to do well.

Bojang, who will be judged on her oratory speech, is ready to give it her best shot.

“Hopefully, we can get an assembly, too,” she said with a smile.

The Kropp-Bojang force has added to the school’s growing trophy case, each delivering strong finishes in local and regional tournaments. The Lions program, under the guidance of Deborah Rumbaugh, excelled this season, capturing the 3A district championship at Moses Lake. Eight individuals placed and came home with some chrome.

“I’m so glad I did it,” Kropp said of competing. “It’s a great learning experience. Personally, I think it should be a requirement because you develop good speaking skills, which are helpful throughout your whole life. It’s definitely an invaluable experience.”

Kropp and Bojang are bright students with lofty goals. Kropp might pursue a career in management, Bojang is targeting law and order.

Each is taking challenging classes. Each is taking upper level language classes.

Both credit family support for their successes in and out of the classroom.

“Definitely my father (Andrew). He always has been respectful and always wanting to do the right thing,” Kropp said. “He keeps me going and, at the same time, always leads me down the correct path.”

Added Bojang: “My mother (Mariama) told me to stick with something you believe in.”

Kropp and Bojang are taking noncontroversial approaches to some contentious topics. Kropp’s expository speech will tackle phobias, his oratory, polygamy. Kropp will address gay marriage.

Each speaker must write and memorize a speech that is 8 to 10 minutes long. Practice makes perfect, even if the nerves are jumpy on speech day.

“Jonathan is what I would call a polished and professional speaker,” Rumbaugh said. “Sireh is a performer.”

A convincing performance means being strong in voice and spirit.

“If you’re not passionate, then you fall back into the crowd,” Kropp said. “If you’re passionate, then they are speaking about something they want to talk about.”

Bojang agrees.

“They can tell if you’re sincere or not,” she said. “You definitely have to love what you’re saying.”