Chiawana High School's Speech and Debate Team Triumphs at Ephrata Tournament

In an exciting display of their talent and dedication, the speech and debate teams from Delta High School (DHS) and Chiawana High School (CHS) came together at the Ephrata High School for their first regular-season tournament of the year on Saturday, November 4. This showdown was a thrilling spectacle of intellectual prowess and competitive spirit.

Chiawana High School, proudly boasting its largest team ever, dominated the competition, emerging victorious in multiple categories, including Speech, Debate, and the overall team awards. Delta High School, though hindered by a smaller contingent due to their homecoming dance the same day, managed to secure a commendable fifth-place finish out of the eleven participating schools. The results indicate a promising season ahead for both teams.

Chiawana's success in the Novice Congress category was evident, with Alecx Naungayan securing the top position and Angela Seda following closely in third place. Selah Gutierrez was recognized as the Top Presiding Officer in this category.

In the Open Congress category, Ramiro Gracia De La Cruz from Delta High School displayed remarkable skills, securing the second position.

In the Lincoln-Douglas Debate section, Chiawana's Inigo Antonio claimed the top position in the Novice category, with Tanner Hall finishing in third place. In the Open category, Ayden Hicks from Delta High School claimed the top position, with Ryan Abastillas from Chiawana securing the third place.

The Novice Public Forum Debate saw Chiawana's Jaden Austin and Jazzlynn Marroquin at the top position. In the Open Public Forum Debate, Chiawana's Emely Acosta and Noe Lima Ponce secured the first position.

Ayden Hicks from Delta High School triumphed in the Open Dramatic Interpretation category.

In the Novice Dual Interpretation category, Jaden Austin and Jazzlynn Marroquin from Chiawana took the top spot, while in the Open Dual Interpretation, Lyndi Bland and Selah Gutierrez from Chiawana also secured the first position.

In the Novice Informative Speaking category, Rylin Clark from Chiawana secured the second position, with Marcus Meinecke from Delta High School in third place. In the Open Informative Speaking category, Aiden Long from Delta High School claimed the first position, followed closely by Canna Hyde from Chiawana in second place.

Emely Acosta from Chiawana took the second position in the Novice Extemporaneous Speaking category. In the Open Extemporaneous Speaking, Parker Alvarez from Chiawana secured the second position, with Mia Esquivel from Chiawana finishing in third place.

Emely Acosta from Chiawana secured the second position in the Novice Humorous Interpretation category. Parker Alvarez from Chiawana claimed the second position in the Open Impromptu Speaking category.

In the Oratory section, Emely Acosta from Chiawana triumphed in the Novice category, while Parker Alvarez from Chiawana took the top position in the Open category, with Light Mendoza Gonzalez also from Chiawana securing the third place.

Selah Gutierrez from Chiawana claimed the top position in the Open Program Oral Interpretation category, with Canna Hyde from Chiawana securing the second position.

In the Open Tall Tales category, Lyndi Bland from Chiawana took the second position, with Noe Lima Ponce from Chiawana securing the third place.

Both Chiawana and Delta High Schools have shown exceptional talent and determination in this early tournament, setting high expectations for the rest of the season. Second-year Delta Coach Sara Hyde expressed her excitement, stating, "I'm really excited to see what we can do at full strength. I expect to bring home some team awards this year."

Meanwhile, veteran Chiawana Coach Vicky Hyde humorously shared her concern about the team's size, saying, "It's a little scary having a team this big. It's a lot of speeches to listen to every week! My biggest problem is finding judges since we have to bring one judge for every five speech entries. When one student can do four speech events, that judge burden gets big in a hurry."

As the season unfolds, both teams are expected to continue their exceptional performances and contribute to the rich tradition of speech and debate excellence in Benton-Franklin Counties. Congratulations to all participants on a fantastic tournament, and best wishes for the upcoming events.