JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate placed 6th in 4A last weekend at the state tournament held in Lander. It was a solid finish for a team competing in only its second year in 4A after stepping up a division in 2016-17.
The team will graduate three of its seniors who bolstered the ranks all year, but a strong underclassmen roster of four juniors, four sophomores, and five freshmen is promising. The team is coached by Londe and Peggy Gagnon.
More than 400 competitors from 34 schools took part in the three-day State meet. Schools to 20 entries, and Jackson advanced 10 of its entries to culminating rounds on Saturday, far in excess of the average of 28%.
At State in Lander, March 8-10
Duet Interpretation was Jackson’s strongest event at the tournament. Senior and team captain, Ellie Dunn joined junior Thomas Mercer to earn the title of State Champions in the event. In a field of 40 entries, the duo fought their way to a 1st-place finish with their presentation of “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” by Jack Neary.
Team captain and senior Aaron Trauner continued his incredible success in Public Forum Debate, partnering with junior Samantha Smith to earn third place. This marks the third year in a row Trauner has finished in the top three in the event at the State tournament. The team argued their way through eight rounds of debate, examining both sides of whether the current authorization for use of military force gives too much power to the President.
Junior Leila Sandlin proved triumphant in Program Oral Interpretation where she placed fourth. In her program she explored the joys and pitfalls of fame. She also placed an impressive 7th in Poetry Interpretation—the largest event at the tournament with 76 entries.
Trauner also performed well in Extemporaneous Speaking, finishing in 7th place. Sophomore Maleah Tuttle finished in 9th in the event. In Lincoln Douglas Debate, Tuttle went on to reach the octo-final round (the top 18 in the event).
Senior Sophia Romero and sophomore Warren Levy reached the octo-finals as well. The debaters argued whether or not the United States ought to provide a universal basic income to its citizens. Smith placed 8th in Informative Speaking with her presentation on CRISPR. Freshman Jacqueline Neishabouri barely missed making the semi-final in the event with her 12th place finish.
Sophomore Jake Todd finished in 7th in Dramatic Interpretation with his performance of “The Obsolete Man” by Rod Serling. He also barely missed making the semi-final with his 12th place finish in Original Oratory. Freshmen Preston Harmon, Hyla Chatham, Josh Hansen had some near misses in their events of Lincoln Douglas Debate and Public Forum Debate with their final records of 3 wins and 3 losses.
Freshman Trey Dykeman and junior Alisha Vinson performed well in Extemporaneous Speaking and Humorous Interpretation, finishing with scores that would likely have advanced them to out rounds at a typical tournament. Mercer also did well in Congressional Debate finishing in 7th in his preliminary chamber, missing out on advancing to out rounds by only two ranks.
Year wrap up
Team captain Trauner was one of only five students honored on stage at the awards ceremony as a recipient of a Forensics Ambassador Award. Coaches from across the state nominate students who exemplify good sportsmanship and true competitive spirit.
“For our team, Aaron’s honor as an Ambassador Award winner is a highlight of the tournament this year. Our entire team has earned the respect of coaches and students across the state for the professional way they carry themselves at tournaments,” Gagnon said. “The team places cooperation, ethical conduct and sportsmanship as their primary goals. Our team’s ability to recognize the complex challenges and rewards of team competition, beyond simply winning and losing, is truly inspiring.”
Trauner added, “This team has worked hard all season and deserves every single award we have received. I am honored to have been captain of such an amazing team and to have received the Ambassador Award. Speech has been one of the highlights of my high school career and I wouldn’t want to end high school any other way.”
At the tournament, coaches Londe and Peggy Gagnon tied for the prestigious 4A Coach of the Season award. Gagnon reflected, “To be named Coach of the Season by my peers and colleagues is an incredible honor. To be able to share that honor with my fellow coach from Jackson is even more special. I am in awe of the entire Wyoming coaching team that dedicate their lives to these amazing students.”
The team will now start preparation for the National Speech and Debate Qualifying District Tournament, which will be held in Rock Springs this coming weekend. The top finishers at this meet will travel to the 2018 National Tournament which will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in June.
