The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate team came home with a 1st place sweepstakes trophy from the Evanston Invitational held this past weekend.
Four schools competed against Jackson who fielded 13 students, each one of them winning a top finish in at least one event.
The Jackson team is coached by Londe Gagnon and Peggy Gagnon, and not only did they place 1st in their division, but also 1st overall.
Senior and team captain, Julieta Anaya, led the way for the team. Anaya was the champion in Program Oral Interpretation, getting first place ballots from every judge in the preliminary and final rounds. She in Poetry Interpretation, performing selections about the fear of not being good enough. She also brought home 2nd place in Impromptu Speaking.
Senior Ventura Garcia Perez competed well with a 2nd place finish in Dramatic Interpretation and 2nd place in Congressional Debate. He also prevailed in the Impromptu Speaking category. He then partnered with senior Maya Worcester in Duet Interpretation. They placed 3rd. Worcester tied for 3rd inCongressional Debate.
Speech Team members take trophies
Junior James Neishabouri was crowned champion in Congressional Debate and he earned a 7th place finish in Impromptu Speaking. He went on to team up with partner, junior Jackson Neishabouri, to win 1st place in Public Forum Debate. Jackson placed 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking and finished in the top 10 for Impromptu Speaking.
Junior Melany Garcia Hernandez had success in the Dramatic Interpretation category finishing in 3rd place. She placed 2nd in Poetry Interpretation, and 3rd in Novice Impromptu Speaking.
Freshman Maddie Earl also competed for a 4th place finish in Novice Impromptu, a 6th place finish in Dramatic Interpretation, and a 1st place finish in Novice Humor.
Sophomore Oscar Andersen finished in the top 10 in Impromptu Speaking and tied for 1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking. Sophomore Ashly Hernandez placed 3rd in Original Oratory, and freshman Finna Halsey placed 2nd in the same event. Halsey went on to team up with freshman Sophie Bess in Duet Interpretation where they placed 5th. Bess partnered with freshman Martin Contreras in Public Forum Debate where they placed 2nd overall. Junior June Darin won 3rd place in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and also placed 2nd in Novice Impromptu.
The team next travels to Hot Springs on January 6th.
Volunteers needed for Jackson Speech Invitational
The team is planning its own invitational tournament on Friday and Saturday, January 20 & 21, 2023. For the home tournament, the Speech Team is in need of volunteers to judge for approximately an hour and a half each. Judging guidelines will be provided and several practice judging sessions will be offered. Judging experience is not required.
Refreshments and free babysitting will be provided.
If you would be able to volunteer anytime from 2pm Friday afternoon until 9:00 Friday evening, or from 8 AM Saturday until 4:00 PM Saturday, please email coach Londe Gagnon at lgagnon@tcsd.org or sign up here.
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