The speech and debate team of Palisade is a rigorous sport that often doesn’t get recognized; however the dedication and pure passion these students must compete with shows just how commendable it really is. Palisade High School’s Speech and Debate team competes in various tournaments across the Western Slope such as Battle Mountain and Summit. The team has a Facebook page where they post updates and information about their activities and tournament schedules including a GoFundMe made to raise money from when they competed in the national level last year.
Lynessa Asplund is a Junior at Palisade and has participated in speech and debate each year of her highschool career. Asplund participated in the most recent tournament taking place at Battle Mountain and explains the team’s triumphs. Asplund states, “I think it went really well especially since our Novices placed pretty well and we had the top two PF teams.” The team has been very successful in previous years but in recent times proved themselves even more than they already have. This reason for success has sprouted from the dedication each student has shown but also the simple fact that the team has grown in numbers, more than doubling from just two years ago. In 2021 the team only had about ten kids participate but now have about twenty-four. Asplund explains that due to this growth has allowed for new captains to be appointed and specialized with new people. The team is coached by teachers Mr. Seremac’s and Mr. Fitz’s wife. Alplund is congress captain for speech and debate and has a true love and passion for the sport. She says, “My favorite thing about the sport is the people. Just the community that you have with everyone in speech and debate is just so supportive.” The team has the goal of sending as many kids as possible to nationals and jut making the season the most fun it can be. The speech and debate team is getting ready to head up to Eagle Valley to dominate the competition. Good Luck Bulldogs!
