JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team continued its season accomplishments with another 3A top finish at the inaugural T- Bird Classic, held at Casper College, November 16-17, where 17 schools attended the meet. Under the coaching of Londe Gagnon and Peggy Gagnon, the team traveled with only 12 members but still managed the win.
Senior and team captain, Leila Sandlin had an extremely rewarding meet, finishing first in Program Oral Interpretation. She also reached semifinals in Poetry Interpretation along with fellow senior and team captain Alisha Vinson.
Freshman Virginia Girling continued her incredible first season success with her 1st place award in the Novice category of Lincoln Douglas Debate. Freshman Will Aepli followed close behind with his 3rd place finish after going undefeated in preliminary rounds.
Aepli continued his tournament success by finishing 1st in Novice Congressional Debate for the second tournament in a row. Sophomore Josh Hansen reached the finals round of Varsity Congressional Debate as well.
Junior River Gayton finished 3rd in Informative Speaking with her presentation on lying. Senior and team captain Samantha Smith reached semi finals of the event also.
Smith joined partner junior Warren Levy to place 5th in Varsity Public Forum Debate. The pair moved through the weekend arguing both sides of whether or not the United States federal government should impose price controls on the pharmaceutical industry.
“The strength of the team continues to grow. This was a tough meet where many events combined novice and varsity competitors into the same categories,” said Peggy Gagnon. “We are extremely proud of what our team was able to accomplish especially given that half the team was unable to attend the meet. We think the talent and support the team showed this weekend was extraordinary and we anticipate a very promising upcoming season.”
