PHS Speech and Debate Season in Full Swing

By Kim Skousen

Teenagers sat on the tiled floor and leaned against the wall, chatting amiably.  In the cafeteria, some high school students danced to music while others played a no-risk game of poker.  This was a typical scene at the Skyhawk Smackdown (a debate tournament), which was held at Salem Hills High School on November 18th and 19th. While debaters waited for events to begin or for judges to arrive, debaters took the opportunity to talk to complete strangers. During events, each debater tried his or her hardest to deliver concise, organized arguments.  Winning was everyone’s goal.  Our debaters from Payson High School were no different.

True to the debate motto, “roll with the punches,” every debater tried a new event.  Ten of our debaters placed in their events, seven of which were novices.  Of our return debaters, Jake Fuhriam placed in SPAR, Kimberly Skousen placed first in humorous interpretation, and James Lopez placed in SPAR.   Payson High’s novice debaters, Megan Snow placed in Mixed Exempt, Juan Trujillo placed in Duo Interpretation, Jake Allinson placed in Duo Interpretation and in Humorous Interpretation, Michael Rowley placed in Mixed Exempt and in SPAR, Easton West placed in Humorous Interpretation, Tessa Palmer placed in Impromptu, and Ali Bufton placed in Humorous Interpretation.  Most importantly, however, our debate team had the opportunity to learn from more experienced debaters our age.  Our debaters discovered their weaknesses, how to improve their performance, and countless techniques.

Another challenge that our debaters took in stride was the skill and experience of their opponents.  Salem Hills Smack Down debate tournament was arranged into two categories: novice and open.  Debaters who have had at least one year of experience are placed into the “open” category. Due to the fact that some of the opposing debaters have been debating for more than three years, it is fair to say that some of the debaters from Payson High School were a little overwhelmed.   Payson High debate, however, pulled through, and several came out on top.  One thing is certain: our team will be more skilled, prepared, and passionate next tournament because of the Skyhawk Smackdown, and we would like to thank Mr. Doug Welton and the Salem Hills debate team for being a wonderful host.