Stand and Deliver

Interest in speech and debate died out in 2021 when only four students signed up for the team and at least five students were needed to compete. This year there are nine to 11 students interested and coaches lining up to assist.

COVID restrictions in 2020 resulted in the state competition being conducted online with teams competing through a computer monitor and virtual judging. The passion for debating without realtime interactions died out, at least for the Platte Valley team.

Christy Keel, a local mom involved with the Saratoga Panthers Booster Club, was looking for an avenue to keep her oldest son engaged in social activities during the school year.

“I was hoping to find something, other than sports, that might interest my child,” said Keel.

Keel generated interest in reinvigorating the speech and debate program by putting up posters touting a meeting to see if anyone would be willing to participate.

According to Madeline Hutchinson, Saratoga Middle High School’s middle school social studies teacher, “Christy happened to run into me in the hallway after school and asked if by chance I had any experience with speech and debate. I, in fact, did.”

Hutchinson grew up in Nebraska and participated in public forum debate while in high school.

“I knew I wanted to coach an activity in Saratoga,” said Hutchinson. “I just figured it would be basketball - not debate.”

Speech and debate lend to teach students to articulate thoughts and develop well-reasoned arguments, according to Hutchinson. “It is such a great skill set to develop and utilize as you grow.”

This first year back might be rough as Hutchinson does not have any funds to build her team. A budget was not built this year as this extracurricular activity was not in the allotment process.

Concession sales [as a fundraising avenue] will allow the team to be able to go to at least three tournaments in the state.

“The kids that have attended the first meetings are good, smart, capable kids,” said Hutchinson. “I don’t think we will win state this first year back, but this team could easily place second or third. I expect them to stand on the podium.”

Jacob Dickinson, BMO Associate Banker and a former member of the speech and debate team, is helping Hutchinson coach the team as her assistant.

Dickinson, a 2016 Encampment alumni, was an all-state competitor in oratory in high school and competed at Casper College in the same form of forensic competition.

“I am excited to be involved in speech and debate again,” said Dickinson. “I hope to create a handbook to be housed in the school to keep this activity thriving in years to come.”

Any students interested can reach out to Hutchinson at the Saratoga Middle High School. The first Speech and Debate tournament will be held in Green River on November 22 and 23.