JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team took home second place at their fifth tournament of the season held virtually by the University of Wyoming on Dec. 11 and 12.

The tournament hosted 30 schools with over 300 entries. The Jackson team, coached by Londe and Peggy Gagnon, was able to bring home the second place trophy with just thirteen members competing. They edged out third-place finisher Rock Springs while Cheyenne East finished in first in 4A.

Photo: JHHS Speech and Debate

Junior William Aepli had a particularly stellar weekend with his 1st place finish in Congressional Debate. He went on to partner with fellow junior Lily Briggs to place 1st in Public Forum Debate as well. Aepli was also named the top speaker in Public Forum Debate. Briggs continued her success with a 5th place finish in the Congressional Debate. She was also named the 5th best speaker in Public Forum Debate.

Senior and team captain, Josh Hansen finished strongly in his events this weekend. He placed 2nd in Lincoln Douglas Debate. He was also named the 2nd Best Speaker in the same event. He rounded out the weekend with his 2nd place finish in the Congressional Debate.

Sophomore Sophie Lamb found incredible success over the weekend as well. She was the champion in Novice LD Debate and was named the Best Speaker in the event as well. She went on to place 3rd in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking. Freshman Jackson Neishabouri finished in 4th place in the same event.

Sophomore Jheili Montiel Huerta partnered with fellow sophomore Alexis Hernandez to bring home 6th in Public Forum Debate. Montiel Huerta was named the 4th Best Speaker in Public Forum Debate. Hernandez went on to reach semi-finals in Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking.

Freshman Brittney Tzompa was very successful in Novice Original Oratory with her 2nd place finish. Sophomore Julieta Anaya placed 4th in Varsity Humorous Interpretation. Anaya partnered with fellow sophomore Blanca Sartillo to place 4th in Varsity Duo Interpretation also. Sartillo went on to place 5th in Program Oral Interpretation.

Jackson competes again this coming weekend at the Holiday Classic hosted by Cheyenne East – a tournament that has over 600 entries with 57 schools attending.

Jacob Gore was born and raised in Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming. As a proud Wyomingite, he loves to share his home with visitors from around the world. Spending years in Jackson and Alaska as an interpretive nature guide, he remains a photographer, traveler, storyteller, and avid hobbyist of all-things outdoors. Jacob enjoys bridging the connection between Jackson and the rest of the state.