JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Senior and team captain Ellie Dunn led the way as the Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team took home a second place finish in the medium schools division at the Riverton Invitational, held at Riverton High School, November 11-12
Ten schools attended the event. Jackson brought 12 competitors under the direction of coaches Londe Gagnon and Peggy Gagnon.
Dunn had an extremely rewarding meet, finishing first in Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking. Sophomore Maleah Tuttle and junior Darcy Mueller reached semifinals of the same event.
Freshman Trey Dykeman continued his incredible first season success with a 1st place showing in the Novice category of the event. Dunn went on to place sixth in Varsity Humorous Interpretation with her rendition of “Hyperbole and a Half” by Allie Brosh.
Tuttle was awarded 2nd place in Varsity Impromptu Speaking (an event where students have seven minutes to both prepare and present a speech on a topic they are only given at a moment’s notice). Dykeman and junior Thomas Mercer reached semifinals in the Novice division of the same event. Mercer continued his tournament success in Novice Congressional Debate with his second place finish. He also placed fifth in Novice Original Oratory.
The Novice Public Forum Debate team of freshmen Hyla Chatham and Jacqueline Neishabouri along with the team of freshmen Josh Hansen and Dykeman led the Jackson squad by tying for first place in the event. The four competitors moved through the meet arguing both sides of whether the U.S should implement universal background checks for gun owners.
Coach Londe Gagnon said, “The strength of the team continues to grow. We are excited to see what the team can accomplish in the coming weeks as we prepare for upcoming tournaments.”
