Speech and debate, while often overshadowed by athletics, fosters community and competition for future lawyers, politicians, and changemakers. The Palisade High School speech and debate team had the opportunity to grow in that community and competition at the 4A CHSSA State Championships, which were held at Pueblo Central High School from Friday, February 27th, to Saturday, February 28th. The team sent a total of twelve competitors, who all placed in the top three at least one time throughout the season. The state team consisted of three freshmen, two sophomores, six juniors, and one senior, and was coached by Mrs. Seremak, who is a PHS math teacher, Mrs. Burbach, who is a PHS social studies teacher, and Jasmine Fitzgibbons.
Competition at a state level can be intimidating for both novices and returners. However, that didn’t stop the Bulldogs from bringing their “A game” and proving themselves. Junior Gabrielle Spriggs, a three year varsity member, was a quarterfinalist in Lincoln Douglas (LD) debate, a competitive and challenging feat. Senior and Congress captain Hailey Shackleford and freshman Lois Harrington were both finalists in Congressional Debate (CD). Junior Marilee Beauregard received eighth place in Program Oral Interpretation (POI) as well.
Beginning speech and debate as a novice can be both a nerve-wracking yet exciting adventure. Freshman Xander Mullenax, a competitor in CD, he explained his growth as a new member leading up to the state championships. Mullenax quotes, “ I believe that at the beginning I was very disorganized, and later on into the season I was able to further develop not only my speaking capabilities but my speeches themselves.” Mullenax also reflects upon the team dynamic throughout the season, since state is a time of closure for competitors. He shares, “Crazily, I think we’ve all grown together… I believe the freshmen have been completely intertwined in the group, and it’s just a very welcoming and open group.”
Varsity members use the state championships as a time to showcase all of their hard work throughout the season. Sophomore Alivia Nicodemus, a competitor in Original Oratory (OO), states, “I would say the main thing that State taught me this year was patience and to accept all feedback with an open mindset… the biggest growth I’ve had overall as a person is just putting my hardest forward.”
Although the state championships have come and gone, this isn’t quite the end of the road for PHS speech and debate. National qualifiers will head to Richmond, Virginia this summer to attend the National competition. Congrats to a race well run, and we wish our Bulldogs the best for their next season!
