JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole High School Speech and Debate Team brought home a 2nd-place finish in the 4A division at the Riverton Invitational, February 18-19.
Jackson travelled with just 10 of their 22-member squad, under the coaching of Londe Gagnon and Peggy Gagnon. The team earned an overall 58 points for the team sweepstakes, trailing first place Natrona County’s 74 total points.
Jackson seniors led the way this past weekend. Team captain Lily Briggs finished as champion in Congressional Debate. She went on to team up with fellow team captain Will Aepli to place 2nd in Public Forum Debate.
Aepli placed 2nd Extemporaneous Speaking, while Junior Alexis Hernandez placed 4th in the same event, and freshman Oscar Andersen reached the semifinals.
Hernandez went on to reach the semifinals in Original Oratory. Additionally, he teamed up with fellow junior Jheili Montiel Huerta to place 4th in Public Forum Debate. Montiel Huerta reached the semifinal round of Original Oratory as well.
Junior Ventura Garcia Perez took 6th in Congressional Debate while junior Maya Worcester reached the finals round in the event. Worcester went on to place 6th in Humorous Interpretation with her rendition of “Forensics Nightmare” by Deborah Karczewski.
Blanca Sartillo reached the semifinals of Program Oral Interpretation, and junior Julieta Anaya reached the semifinals of Poetry Interpretation.
“We have just two regular season tournaments left before our state and districts tournaments. We learned a lot this weekend and continue to grow as a team. I am excited to see how we can all come together as a group to make a strong showing at these upcoming culminating meets,” said coach Londe Gagnon.
