JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate team placed 4th in 4A at the University of Wyoming tournament held February 16-17 in Laramie. Twelve schools attended the meet. The JHHS team, coached by Londe and Peggy Gagnon, traveled with 16 of its 20 team members to the tournament.
Senior and team captain Aaron Trauner led the team with a 2nd place finish in Extemporaneous Speaking. He moved through six rounds of competition in the event that tests a competitor’s ability to dissect current events in a time restricted situation. In his final round he explored how the US can improve transatlantic relations.
Senior and team captain, Ellie Dunn reached the semifinals in the same event, narrowly missing making the final round due to a tiebreaker.
Junior Samantha Smith, competing in Congressional Debate for the first time this season, brought home a 5th place award. Junior Leila Sandlin continued her successful season in Poetry Interpretation with her 6th place finish, while sophomore Jake Todd showed his strength in Dramatic Interpretation reaching semifinals, as well as placing 13th in Original Oratory.
Dunn partnered with junior Thomas Mercer to reach semifinals in Duet Interpretation with their rendition of “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” by Jack Neary. Dunn proved to be a triple threat by reaching semifinals of Humorous Interpretation as well.
The team has two more regular season tournaments as they prepare for their state tournament in March. The Jackson team is hosting two Speech Showcases, Tuesday and Wednesday Feb 20-21. The evenings will feature the Jackson team members, in their respective events. The programs start at 7pm in the Jackson Hole High School Auditorium and will last approximately 90 minutes with a quick intermission. Tickets are $3.
