JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team added a 1st place sweepstakes trophy to their successful 2018-19 season at the Star Valley Speech Tournament, held at Star Valley High School, January 18-19.
Under the coaching of Londe Gagnon and Peggy Gagnon, the Jackson team competed with 12 of its 22 members, reeling in 23 top individual finishes. Jackson won the 3A sweepstakes trophy by earning 81 sweepstakes points with five schools in attendance.
Team captain Samantha Smith had a triumphant meet with her 2nd place finish in Informative Speaking, and a 2nd place finish in Public Forum Debate with partner Josh Hansen. They spent the weekend arguing both sides of whether or not the United States federal government should prioritize reducing the federal debt over promoting economic growth.
Darcy Mueller and Lily Briggs partnered in the event as well to bring home a 3rd place award.
River Gayton competed in Informative Speaking also where she placed 4th. She went on to partner with Jacqueline Neishabouri in Duet Interpretation. They placed 4th with their selection, “10 Easy Steps to Humiliation.”
Neishabouri competed in Impromptu Speaking and did very well, reaching semi-finals along with teammate Virginia Girling. Hansen placed 2nd in the event and Maleah Tuttle brought home the 1st place award.
Tuttle went on to place 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking while Mueller finished in 1st. Preston Harmon tied for 8th in the event, narrowly missing the cutoff for the final round.
Team captain Leila Sandlin proved her poetic prowess once again with a 2nd place finish. Sandlin also proved to be adept in Program Oral Interpretation where she finished 1st. Lilly Eggett found success in Original Oratory where she tied for 6th place.
William Aepli dominated the field in Lincoln Douglas Debate, placing 1st after going undefeated in the event throughout the weekend. Girling followed closely behind, tying for 3rd, while Harmon placed 4th.
Girling went on to show her expertise in Congressional Debate with a 3rd place finish. Smith placed 5th in the event while Aepli took home 7th. Briggs and Hansen reached the final round of the event as well.
The Jackson team travels to Evanston this coming weekend.
Volunteers needed
The team is planning its own invitational tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 8-9, 2019. For the home tournament, the Speech Team is still in need of about 300 volunteers to judge for approximately an hour and a half each. Judging guidelines will be provided and several practice judging sessions will be offered. Judging experience is not required.
Events include Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, Big Questions, Extemporaneous, Congressional, and Cross Examination Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Humor, Drama, Poetry, Program Oral Interpretation, Informative Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and Duet. Judging these talented high school competitors is an entertaining and rewarding experience. Refreshments and free babysitting will be provided.
If you would be able to volunteer anytime from 3:00 Friday afternoon until 9:00 Friday evening, or from 7:30am Saturday until 3:00pm Saturday, please email coach Londe Gagnon, or call her at 307-699-0537.
