The Niobrara County High School speech and debate team brought home a state championship trophy for 1A/2A schools from the state tournament held in Green River March 9th through the 11th. The team made a strong showing in all the events they entered. Those who represented their school and community so well were, Kayce Bruegger, Nick Johnson, Daniel Kruse, Traylin Bruegger, Gunner Eaton, Lily Canaday, Alli McElroy, and Kylie Straugh.

Niobrara County placed top three for 1A/2A schools in all four events that the team was entered in.                 Nick Johnson took 1st place honors for Drama and Poetry. Niobrara County swept the Congressional Debate event bringing home the top three awards.  Alli McElroy placed 3rd, Traylin Bruegger place 2nd and Daniel Kruse placed 1st in this event. The Bruegger boys, Kayce and Traylin Bruegger, made a strong showing in Public Forum Debate placing 3rd. 

This is the first state championship for the Niobrara County High School speech and debate team. The team beat out eight other 1A/2A teams to secure top honors at the tournament. This was a well-deserved honor considering all the hard work and dedication these eight young people put in during the season. They stand toe to toe with the best in the state during the regular tournaments and at state where there is no distinction between conference levels. Our students compete with 1A/2A, 3A and 4A schools throughout the season and have been consistent in improving on their skills and placing in the top 10 at most tournaments. 

Coaches Norma Langston and Cara Bandalos couldn’t be prouder to have the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of young people. The work ethic and dedication that these young people have does not go unnoticed by the larger speech and debate community. Nick Johnson was the recipient of one of six Student Ambassador Awards that were given out at the state tournament. The nominations for this award must come from a coach, it doesn’t have to be the coach from that student’s team. Nick was nominated by a coach from Wright High School. There were twelve students nominated and a committee of coaches was given the daunting task of finding the six most deserving students to receive this award. We are proud of Nick’s accomplishments over the last four years and know he will continue to grow and contribute in his future endeavors. One other honor was given to a member of the Niobrara team this year. Coach Cara Bandalos was voted in to be the secretary for the Wyoming State Forensics Association. We are so proud of her and the example she sets for her team. Cara is the epitome of hard work and dedication to her students, team and the broader speech and debate community.

All in all this was a banner year for the Niobrara County High School speech and debate team. They would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for allowing their children to participate in an activity that will stretch and grow students to go beyond what they think they can do and think outside the box to excel and shine in ways they never thought they could. The team would like to thank the school board, the administration of both schools, the teachers, the transportation department and the community for all of their support and consideration during the season. None of this would be possible without all of you. Thank you Lusk and Niobrara County.