Wren Pritchett (’23) has been in Speech and Debate for all four years of high school — this school year has been the first he’s done it at Mead High. On Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 Pritchett (’23) competed at the CHSAA 2023 Speech and Debate tournaments.

His event was extemporaneous speaking, and he scored a one on all five rounds he competed in, meaning he won all rounds at the tournament. He also took first place state for 3A. 

Pritchett (’23) had done more preparation for this event than he ever has. He said, “I actually gave a speech to Ms. Hedlun the Friday right before we left for the tournament, so I was not nervous at all, and was like, okay I’m about to win this tournament.” And sure enough he took the first place title.

After these wins comes national qualifying, which will happen in March if he makes it past districts and overall state. Seven students will qualify for nationals. Pritchett (’23) is hoping he’ll be one of the seven nationalists and will be in Phoenix in June competing for a national title

Pritchett (’23) is looking into the future not just for himself but for the new program at MHS. He said, “As cool as it is to be state champ, what matters more is that the team itself placed ninth… and that’s big for our program. One of my biggest concerns is that as soon as I graduate our program will die, but hopefully this will inspire more kids to get involved in [Speech and Debate] and build our program.”

He wants more students to be a part of this amazing program. He believes the best reasons to take Speech and Debate is that it helps build your confidence and public speaking ability. There are many different events so students will be able to find one that fits what they’re most interested in.