Honoring the legacy of speech arts at Blackfoot High School.
The Hansen-Capellan Endowment for Speech Arts
Supporting students in speech arts.
Establishing a legacy of excellence unparalleled within the state of Idaho, over 25,000 students at Blackfoot High School were taught and mentored by two of the finest Speech and Debate Coaches, Mamie Capellan and Leora Hansen.
To ensure that this legacy continues, the Hansen/Capellan Legacy Fund has been established by sisters, Angelen Henscheid Parrish and Jean Henscheid, BHS alums, to provide the tools and opportunities for students in the future.
The endowed fund will be used to support speech and debate students at Blackfoot High School, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent participation in speech arts education and competition.
The Blackfoot High School Speech and Debate program has produced more state championship winners than any other Idaho school, dating back to 1932. Mamie Capellan, who coached award-winning teams from 1925 to 1961, and Leora Hansen, who guided students between 1967 and 2004, laid a foundation of excellence.
Setting students up for success in life
In Blackfoot and across the country, participation in extra-curricular activities is dropping. This is particularly troubling for rural and less-privileged students. Just 20% of rural residents hold a college degree, compared to 34% of urban residents. In Blackfoot, academic success among economically disadvantaged students is on the decline. Participation in speech and debate gives students a chance to beat these odds.
BHS Graduation Rates
Building the endowment
The goal of the Legacy Fund is to raise $25,000.00 by 2024, in order to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the initial Speech and Debate Program established at BHS in 1925 by Mamie Capellan.
Administered through the Idaho Community Foundation, a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization, the project is well beyond the sixty percent mark in reaching full funding, and beginning to award monies to students currently enrolled in these classes.
The more we raise, the more students we will be able to help.
Fundraising Status
“One of the things that makes Blackfoot High School Speech and Debate so great, is that we are more inclusive than other programs. Our team has Economically, Ethnically and Politically diverse members.
At other schools, students have to “pay to play,” and economically disadvantaged kids often don’t compete. […] It’s important that the voices of economically disadvantaged kids are heard.
Everyone’s voice should be at the table.
However, the team could still use support, as students currently pay for expensive trips to National competitions out of pocket and compete against students, (from other schools) many of whom own their own personal MacBooks. Money gives structural support.”
These students are some of the most spectacular, powerful people I know. It’s a gift to be their coach. Anything that can be done to maintain and build Blackfoot Speech and Debate Program’s inclusivity, should be done.
— Kelsey Rain Purin, former BHS debate coach
By underwriting the Hansen/Capellan Legacy Fund, individuals who may or may not have benefitted by the tutelage of Ms. Capellan or Ms. Hansen, but have certainly been impacted in a positive way by other teachers and mentors at Blackfoot High School, can ensure that more students are able to use their educational tools to grow themselves and create a brighter future in the process.
Recent Updates
Mamie Capellan and Leora Hansen