The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team found at their first official tournament of the season held at Rock Springs High School this weekend . The squad brought home a 3rd place team sweepstakes trophy along with 15 individual awards. The Jackson team, coached by Londe and Peggy Gagnon competed at the tournament with 8 varsity and 5 novice team members.
Senior and team captain, Julieta Anaya, led the way in their individual events. Anaya finished 5th in varsity Poetry Interpretation, 5th in varsity Impromptu Speaking and 8th in varsity Program Oral Interpretation. Anaya’s success in the three events earned them a 6th place finish in the “Triple Threat” competition that is unique to the Rock Springs tournament.
Seniors and team captains, Alexis Hernandez Lopez and Jheili Montiel Huerta paired up in varsity Public Forum Debate to bring home 2nd place. The duo went undefeated in the preliminary and the semi finals rounds, debating both sides of whether or not the United States’ strategy of Great Power Competition produces more benefits than harms. Juniors James and Jackson Neishabouri also paired up in the event to bring home 3rd place. Jackson Neishabouri claimed the award of Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate with James Neishabouri following closely behind in second place.
Montiel Huerta went on to place 7th in varsity Original Oratory while Hernandez Lopez placed 7th in varsity Extemporaneous Speaking. Jackson Neishabouri advanced to the semi finals of the event as well.
Freshman Maddie Earl reached the finals of novice Dramatic Interpretation where she ultimately placed 4th. She was joined in the final round by junior Melany Hernandez Garcia who placed 5th in the event. Freshman Ashly Hernandez found great success in novice Extemporaneous Speaking where she finished in 6th place.
Junior Lauren Guh-Siesel walked away from the weekend as the tournament champion in novice Congressional Debate. Senior Phone Naing placed 7th in the same event. Senior Ventura Garcia Perez brought home 2nd place in the varsity division of the event. James Neishabouri represented the JHHS squad well by reaching the finals in the varsity category.
The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate team is excited to have so many up and coming competitors. Coach Londe Gagnon remarked, “Varsity and Novice worked together in seamless fashion to bring home numerous top awards. They showed great promise for an amazing season.” Jackson competes again in two weeks at the Green River tournament November 18-19.
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