ROCK SPRINGS – Several members of the Rock Springs Speech and Debate team were honored for their accomplishment in several national tournaments. They were recognized at the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board meeting Monday night.
This year the Rock Springs Speech and Debate Team grew to over 90 members and enjoyed unprecedented success. The team won several prestigious tournaments, including first at Utah Valley University, Juan Diego and Green River Invitational.
They took second at University of Utah and Speech Sweepstake at the National District competition, which is their culminating event. A tougher schedule meant more opportunities for the team. They had the opportunity to qualify for three of the most prestigious competitive forensics competitions in the nation.
RSHS Speech and Debate had students qualify for all three. Officials said the team is very grateful for the opportunity to represent RSHS and the district.
Officials spoke highly of the team and everyone involved.
“They emulate the qualities of compassion, integrity academic rigor and professionalism. They strive to win and lose with grace and emulate a classy persona in all venues. They are very lucky to have amazing teachers who facilitate their academic excellence. The grass roots support from this community to enrich our student’s academic opportunities and the outpouring of support from parents has been both inspirational and humbling.”
Those Honored
Natasha Bentley – National Individual Events Champion and Tournament of Champions/Rock Springs First Event Qualifier in Kentucky.
Kira Cozzens – Original Oratory – National Individual Events Champion and Tournament of Champions/Rock Springs First Qualifier in Kentucky. Informative Speech – National Speech and Debate Qualifier in Salt Lake City.
Samantha Eaton – Humorous Interpretation – National Individual Event Champion.
James Fantin – Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking – National Speech and Debate Qualifier in Salt Lake City.
Austin Griffith – Lincoln Douglas Debate – National Speech and Debate Qualifier in Salt Lake City. Austin will be attending National United Nations Summit this summer.
Christian Peterson – International Extemporaneous – National Speech and Debate Qualifier in Salt Lake CIty.
Elizabeth Roark – Original Oratory – National Individual Events Champion.
Rannyn Stephens – Humorous Interpretation – National Speech and Debate Qualifier in Salt Lake City. Tournament of Champion/Rock Springs First Event Qualifier in Kentucky, and National Individual Events Champion.
