'23-'24 Student Leadership

1. Why speech and debate?

Genuinely, the different events allow me to explore my different pursuits. USX lets you ad-lib and think on your feet, Debate builds research skills -- all of these help me to improve in different areas and bring out a different me.

2. Favorite event?

Any debate event. I love speech, but debate is sumptuous and luxurious.

3. Proudest s-and-d accomplishment?

Yet to be determined...

4. Favorite s-and-d memory?

This is kinda cliché, but, like Ronald McDonald, I'm lovin' it. 😉

5. Favorite s-and-d trip snack/beverage?

Starbucks and Cracker Barrel.

1. Why speech and debate?

s&d was always a thought of mine growing up but it was something that wasn't common. so, when s&d was founded (again) at prep i joined, honestly thinking it would be great and it was. i like it and i still rlly do. 

2. Favorite event?

my fav event prolly is usx bcuz thats the event i do the most, its my fav bcuz u rlly have no means of prepping for that event except keeping up with recent global events. usx helped me learn to retain information quickly and memorize and formulate speeches quickly as well.

3. Proudest s-and-d accomplishment?

i think my proudest s&d moment was during our first season at the cottonwood classical tournament. it was receiving my first medal at an acc tournament. sure, i gad placed before and after that tournament, but having a representation of that made me so happy. 

4. Favorite s-and-d memory?

my fav s&d memory was and is going to the eye of the storm tournaments at v. sue cleveland. for some reason at those tournaments, last yr and this yr, both gave created great memories for me, especially with co-captain tammy. 

5. Favorite s-and-d trip snack/beverage?

my fav thing to eat at a s&d tournament is prolly cfa, its totally the best. and even better when russell lets me scan my app and i get more points. thanks russ 🤗

1. Why speech and debate?

I do speech and debate because it brings me joy! There is nothing better than performing, debating and the rush of excitement when you break into the later rounds. I do speech and debate because it is my creative outlet, and I can express myself so much more than writing a silly little essay.

2. Favorite event?

My favorite event would have to be Dramatic Interpretation. This is the event that I first fell in love with and what got me hooked on speech and debate. It is so much more than reading a script or acting a scene out. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, riding along a storyline, and as you perform, you get to take your audience that rollercoaster ride.

3. Proudest s-and-d accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment would be double qualifying for nationals. I really did not have hope in myself of breaking for my event, as well as being selected for New Mexico’s World Schools team.

I was truly shocked and it made me believe that I have so much more potential than just being a "normal highschooler."

4. Favorite s-and-d memory?

Definitely would be at Nationals, driving to pick up Talen (TK) and Russell yelling “Yo yo yo, P-Russ in the house! Roll call! Pull up!” It is now my greeting for everything speech and debate related.

5. Favorite s-and-d trip snack/beverage?

Favorite thing to eat would be IHOP and sadly it only happened once. My favorite drink however, would be the Raspberry Peace Tea from the gas station in Cuba.

Hailey Thomas is too busy being Ms. Hozho Naasha to answer such silly questions...