JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team maintained its successful season and earned third place at the Mustang Classic this past weekend in Natrona County High School in Casper Jan. 27-28.
This meet saw seven schools in attendance with over 200 total entries. Jackson’s third-place finish was achieved with only half the team in attendance. The team, coached by Londe and Peggy Gagnon, finished behind Riverton and Green River in the 3A category but did earn more overall points than first-place 4A finisher, Rock Springs.
Senior and team captain, Julieta Anaya led the way by securing the championship in both Poetry Interpretation and Program Oral Interpretation. Anaya also placed fifth in Impromptu Speaking and paired with fellow senior, Blanca Sartillo in Duet Interpretation where the duo brought home fourth place.
The Public Forum Debate teams also put in a strong performance as sophomore Oscar Andersen and junior Lauren Guh-Siesel along with the team of senior and team captain Alexis Hernandez Lopez and junior, Jackson Neishabouri all tied for the championship spot in the event.
Junior Melany Hernandez Garcia placed 2nd in Poetry Interpretation with her selections about healing from body image trauma. She also took place fourth in Impromptu Speaking and she reached the semi-finals in Dramatic Interpretation.
“The weather was responsible for many canceled activities this weekend, coach Londe Gagnon. We feel fortunate that we were able to compete and excel in this tournament. The Jackson squad, though small, proved themselves to be very mighty at this meet.”
