Bigfork speech and debate brings home State A hardware

The Bigfork High School Speech and Debate team solidified its reputation as a pound-for-pound powerhouse in Montana speech and debate last weekend, capturing three individual championships and placing third overall at the Class A state finals.

Despite facing much larger rosters from rival schools, Bigfork showcased incredible efficiency. The team traveled with just nine competitors, yet seven of them earned spots on the podium in the final rounds. This high conversion rate powered Bigfork to the bronze trophy, finishing behind only champion Whitefish High School and runner-up Columbia Falls High School.

A historic "three-peat" was headlined by the dominant partnership of Olivia Close and Jake Baldi. The pair achieved a rare milestone in high school speech and debate, securing their third consecutive state championship. They took the gold with a side-splitting performance of "Rapunzel Uncut," cementing their legacy as one of the most successful pairings in the school's history.

Joining the duo team in the winner's circle were two individual champions who delivered powerful performances to claim top honors:

Junior Brody Henion was crowned the Class A state champion in Humorous Interpretation. He won the title with his piece "Dear Santa," leading the field in a category dominated by Bigfork.

Sophomore Micah Butler captured first place in Program Oral Interpretation. Butler moved the judges with a heart-wrenching piece titled "Sin Behind the Stained Glass."

Bigfork's depth was on full display with several students earning high-ranking medals, including a standout performance in oratory:

Senior Madeline Pomeroy earned a second-place finish in Original Oratory. Pomeroy delivered a powerful and moving speech about research and advocacy titled "Kool-Aid in the Water Fountain."

In Humorous Interpretation, Bigfork delivered a one-two punch with Senior Jake Baldi placing second with his high-energy rendition of "Camp Fred," finishing runner-up only to his teammate Brody Henion.

Junior Rylee Wood took home the bronze, placing third in Dramatic Interpretation with a tear-jerking rendition of "13 Reasons Why."

Every point mattered in the race for the third-place trophy, and Bigfork’s finalists delivered:

The Duo Interpretation team of Senior Madeline Pomeroy and Junior Cy Devlin secured fifth place with their unique take on "The Truman Show."

Junior Olivia Close double-placed at the tournament, taking sixth place in Informative Speaking with an eye-opening presentation regarding the dangers of YouTube.

Rounding out the state roster were Senior Triston Feller and Freshman Riggins Jessop. Both delivered stellar performances during the preliminary rounds, finishing just out of reach of the podium but contributing vital energy and competitiveness to the team's overall success.

A local speech and debate coach told Bigfork coaches that their duo interpretation teams worked harder because they were wanting to beat the powerhouse duos of Close and Baldi and Devlin and Pomeroy.

Beyond the trophies and medals, the weekend was marked by poignant moments for the tight-knit squad. Emotions were running high prior to the final round as the realization hit: for many of the team's leaders, this would be their final high school performance.

Following the awards ceremony, the group gathered with Head Coach Shirley Stine, Assistant Coach Richalle Close, and "Team Dad" Scott Close to reflect on the season. The coaches shared emotional moments with the students, acknowledging that in a group this close, "each graduate takes a little piece of all our hearts with them." 

In a symbolic passing of the torch, the graduating seniors celebrated their final bow while looking toward the future, handing the reins of the program over to the returning undergraduates who will carry the Bigfork legacy into next year.

    Bigfork High School's speech and debate coaches Shirley Stine and Richalle Close at the State A finals. (Courtesy photo)