As the school year starts to wind down, one activity remains in full swing: speech and debate. The speech season runs from mid-October through March, concluding with the state competition after approximately eight tournaments.
Competitors travel across Wyoming and even make appearances in Idaho and Utah. These competitions consist of various categories, including Original Oratory, Original Spoken Word Poetry, Humor, and Programmed Oral Interpretation, among others. Events are structured in rounds, typically with six participants in a room for speech events and 2–4 in a debate round, depending on the format—Lincoln-Douglas (LD), Cross-Examination (CX), or Public Forum (PF). Congressional debate, however, involves a larger number of participants per chamber, depending on the number of competitors.
Events are also divided into different patterns, allowing participants to compete in multiple events. Some competitors participate in more than one event within a single panel, while others compete in both panels. Among the frequent winners in these categories are Star Valley High School’s very own seniors, including Shaylah Frazier, Aisley Ivie, and Emilio Torres.
Senior Shaylah Frazier is a recent addition to the Speech & Debate team but has quickly caught up, securing 1st place in Original Oratory at the Teton Invitational. She expressed her gratitude for speech and debate, stating:
“Joining Speech and Debate this year has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve learned valuable lessons that will serve me for life while also becoming part of an incredibly kind and supportive community. The memories I’ve made here will always hold a special place in my heart. The stigma surrounding Speech and Debate needs to be abolished because this is one of the most welcoming spaces in the school, full of the kindest, purest people who want nothing but for you to succeed. It’s a place where you can truly be yourself without changing to fit in.”
Speech and debate may not be widely known across the student body, but it is a place for everyone.
Another senior who has left his mark on the team is Emilio Torres, a four-year member of Speech & Debate. He brings an uplifting energy to the team and always knows how to brighten the atmosphere. Emilio has achieved a great deal during his time in the program, one of the most notable accomplishments being his role as head captain during his senior year. Reflecting on his experience, Emilio shares:
“For me, Speech and Debate has definitely impacted my life by teaching me how to be a great leader and giving me the opportunity to meet so many great people.”
Emilio has been a crucial asset to the team, earning numerous tournament victories and actively contributing to every event the program takes on.
Lastly, we have Aisley Ivie, senior captain of Speech & Debate. Aisley competes in multiple events, including Original Spoken Word Poetry, Duo, and Programmed Oral Interpretation. At the Teton Invitational, she placed 1st, 4th, and 5th in her respective events, meaning she placed in every category she entered.
Beyond competition, Aisley has participated in many team activities, including volunteering in September when the Speech & Debate team helped with the LOTOJA bike race. She expresses her love for the program, saying:
“Speech has had a huge impact on my senior year and every other year I’ve been a part of it. I have dedicated a lot of time to preparing for competitions, and I’ve learned so much from competing. I’ve performed really well in competition this year, and I’m proud of myself. Speech has had a profound impact on my confidence, and I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
As Aisley prepares to leave Star Valley High School, she carries with her the family she has found in Speech & Debate—a sense of belonging that every team hopes to foster.
