ROCK SPRINGS – The end of the school year also means the end of several student activities. Recently the Rock Springs High School Speech and Debate Team closed out their year.

This year, we here at SweeetwaterNOW invited those who could tell you best what speech and debate is and what speech and debate means to them.

This is your Rock Springs Speech and Debate Team:

Speech and debate is an event unlike any other. When I first started competing I was completely blown away by the compassion, competitiveness, and the care each individual puts not only into their own skills, but into the skills of everyone around them.  Now as the eighth junior in the nation I can honestly say speech and debate has made me a much better person then I could have been without it.  This event has become my life, my passion, and my will to keep striving even in the darkest of times.

–Rannyn Stephens

Speech and Debate has been such an amazing experience! As an eighth grader, with not many friends, I was terrified of entering High School. I found that Speech and Debate was full of fun, loving people, and I finally felt accepted for who I am. I’ve learned so much, and made so many friends. I think that everyone should join Speech and Debate because it has amazing opportunities, with chances that you could never get again.  I am more confident because of Speech and Debate, and that is a quality that will be important for the rest of my life.

–Jaiden Collins

When I first started speech and debate I had no idea about how much it would help me. It helps not only by getting me out of my shell and with speaking skills I will need in the future, but it helps me with the skills I need to help me accomplish my goals of becoming an actor and (or) a lawyer. I have met so many wonderful people, and made friends out of people I never would have met if my friend wouldn’t have dragged me to my first practice. I love speech and debate so much and look forward to doing it in future years. 

-CeeJay Berg (Freshman)

Speech and debate has taught me a lot about speaking, presenting, and communicating effectively, as well as provided an incredible support system through the team members. This was my first year on the team, and I have been able to apply the skills that I’ve gained to my schoolwork, making me a better student. Preparing for competitions can be very stressful, but it always pays off when you finish a round confident that you gave it your all. Knowing that I am making a difference through my words, no matter how big or small, makes all of the preparation, stressful moments, and late nights worth it all.

-Kaylee Hardesty

As a four year competitor in speech and debate I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to get involved in my community on a vastly different level than just as a student. Communication is absolutely vital to being an active member in the community, working to encourage peers to do their very best, endure the most difficult challenges, pursue the most seemingly lofty goal and making it a reality are only a small few of the incredibly abundant values speech and debate instills in students. I’ve learned to emulate my greatest heros through action, hard work, and having fun. I’ve learned not to be a dreamer, but to be pro active instead of reactive and instead of waiting for things to happen, carve out and formulate the opportunities myself. Working for the outstanding opportunity to attend the National Speech and  debate tournament in Dallas Texas has provided me proof that working hard and doing your very best every round, every day, every week and for every day pays off. I couldn’t be more grateful for the support our team has received. Thank you to our community for being absolutely amazing, from when we host, encouraging a student in the activity, and the coaches and teachers for the incredible chance, we’ve been very humbled by all the support.

-Suzie

Speech and debate is such a fantastic experience for all types of people.  With me being a very shy girl with social anxiety, I entered High School with very little friends. I always had a passion to speak about things that I feel are important. I saw the team being almost as weird as I am, and I knew then that I finally have a place that I belong. Speech and debate has taught me many things. For example, I have learned that if you try something new you can discover all different talents that you never even knew you had. Speech and debate provides plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Also, it provides a way to meet new people that won’t just be your friends, but your family.

-Cloey Lucas

Speech and debate has been such an incredible experience for me. In my two years, I have learned so much. Beyond the important skills of public speaking and expressing my own ideas, it has also taught me other life skills. Skills like being genuinely kind to everyone I meet and being a good leader are some things speech and debate teaches in ways other activities can’t. I would never give up my experience in speech and debate, and I urge any student reading to take advantage of the great opportunity that is Speech and Debate. It will be a decision that you will never regret could change your life forever.

-Tony Lew