The Speech and Debate team’s annual trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming in December, was as usual, an exciting and competitive competition. The team competed at their largest tournament this year, with everyone showcasing their skills, while also taking home high placements and proving that dedication to teamwork truly pays off.
Preparation for the notorious tournament was rigorous. Coach Melinda Emsh, who not only teaches social studies but competitive speech as well, explained, “The team has been refining their craft all semester. Students practice, compete, get feedback, and revise until they feel confident. That cycle of constant improvement is what makes them shine.” Leading up to Wyoming, the entire team took part in many novice and varsity tournaments, like the Regis Novice tournament at Regis Jesuit High School and the We Didn’t Start the Fire tournament at Overland High School, gaining immeasurable experience.
Dr Jason Wu, a longtime mentor and cornerstone of the program, shared his opinion on the team’s commitment to success. “Excellence is born from discipline,” said Wu. “Every moment that these students spent rehearsing was an investment in their future. An investment that everyone got to showcase at the competition”
The competition itself was formidable, with over 300 entries from schools like Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota all striving for titles in many different events. In the debate, the teams were challenged to showcase their ability to think critically and argue persuasively under pressure. In the speech events, competitors delivered the thought-provoking speeches that they had been working on all semester which left judges impressed. All of our competing students were extremely dedicated, which allowed them to succeed further than the competition.
Reflecting on the trip, the team agreed that it was an important mark in this year’s season. “It was a long and tiring competition, but it showed us what we can do if we try,” said Temiloluwa Bello, head captain of speech and debate. “I can’t wait for us to compete at Nat Quals and state with success.”
