Palisade Sophomore, Beckett Carlton, is the Male Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Carlton is a member of Speech and Debate and is a Track and Field athlete. In speech and debate, Carlton competes in extemporaneous speaking, which is an unprepared event. Carlton has been on the team for two years now, starting his freshman year.
“I was inspired to join speech and debate because of my passion for current events and my desire to improve my public speaking skills. I wanted to challenge myself to think on my feet and articulate my thoughts clearly in front of an audience.”
Carlton continues to be inspired by more than just his passion for speech and debate. “I am inspired by my own future. What I mean by that is I’m inspired to do well in Speech and Debate because the better I get, and the more my skills that are developed then the more I can see myself being a public speaker or someone who can create a positive change in the world. So I am inspired by the prospect of being more equipped to bring about change.”
Over the couple of years that he has been on the speech and debate team, Carlton has achieved high standards and has accomplished goals. “This year, I placed third at the Cherry Creek Tournament, which had some of the toughest competition I’ve faced so far. Additionally, I earned a bid for the National Tournament of Champions.”
Carlton appreciates how speech and debate has shaped him individually, ultimately fostering his engagement with the world. “My favorite thing about speech and debate is how well-informed I become through participation. To do well, I need to be generally well-versed in current events globally. It has made me more knowledgeable and better equipped to engage in thoughtful discussions.” Carlton added, “There is a sort of stigma around being in or competing in Speech and Debate. While the activity is inherently academic, the skills it fosters extend far beyond just Speech and Debate. It has played a major role in my development not only as a speaker but also as someone who actively engages with the world and wants to improve it.”
Carlton’s dedication to speech and debate showcases his passion for personal growth and leadership. Beyond competition, Carlton values the knowledge and skills he gains, especially in current events, which help him engage thoughtfully with the world. Congratulations Beckett Carlton for receiving Male Athlete of the Week!
