BHS speech and debate team sees early success

Burlington’s speech and debate team is up and running once again. Led this year by Coach Leah St. Clair, the team is already earning accolades with two successful tournaments in the books. 

“They’ve done fantastic so far!” said St. Clair.

Veteran members Kitzen Schatz and Raygen Andrew are joined by Jackson Olson, Reece Allen, Kimber Allen and Sierra Elliot. 

“Our team goals this year focus on leadership and team community,” said St. Clair. “They’re working to develop collaborative leadership by creating an environment where every voice is valued and every member takes part in shaping team culture. Members demonstrate leadership through respect, communication and active participation in practice and tournaments.” 

The Powell tournament was held Nov. 8 and R. Allen won first in Impromptu and second in Informative. Olson earned sixth in Impromptu, Baer earned second in Impromptu and Schatz took second in Congress. As a team, they won second place in the 1A/2A sweepstakes. 

In Thermopolis last weekend, K. Allen took third in Impromptu and fourth in Congress, Baer took third in Oratory, Raygen Andrew took third in Informative and Schatz took third in Congress and as a team won first in the 1A/2A division. 

“I was not in speech and debate, though I wish I had joined in high school. It is all about empowering students to take control and explore their interests in a variety of events, while practicing one of the most difficult skills to master - public speaking,” said St. Clair. “They are practicing a skill as teenagers that many adults are terrified of, while exploring perspectives of competitors from all over the nation.

“They are a fantastic group and I cannot wait to see how much they grow throughout the year! The varsity members have done an outstanding job taking the novice competitors under their wings and showing them the ropes, while the notices have just dived right into competition and started claiming medals. We also have a new assistant coach this year, Tess Nelson, who has done an amazing job learning how to help our competitors grow and thrive in their events.”