Speech and debate coach Dillon Rogers has been teaching students the art of structured argumentation and confidence in speaking for eight years. He coordinates after school practice schedules and tournaments based on tournament schedules. Rogers brings students to many competitions so they can grow to be assertive speakers. Several of his students have gone to state, and he hopes to go yet again for the eight year in a row.
“This activity allows students to advocate for positions that they are most passionate about,” Rogers said. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to provide students a platform and help them craft their argument.”
The National Speech and Debate Association sanctions 25 events providing a variety of opportunities for students. Debate events are generally more heavily research based and have pre-determined topics while speech events are more flexible in allowing students to choose their own topic. Rogers and his students compete every weekend to expand their credibility in competitions.
“Competitive tournaments offer students the opportunity to practice their craft and work with some of the top-tier peers in the state,” Rogers said. “The students’ stories are so often unique and insightful, allowing me to learn about various subjects along with my students.”
Senior Aiden Espino has been on the speech and debate team for two years. His events are program oral interpretation (P.O.I.), dramatic interpretation (D.I.) and original oratory. Espino dedicates about five to seven hours to the organization in class and after school weekly.
“The preparation, time and effort that goes into preparing your events is insane, mentally and physically,” Espino said. “You’re just exhausted and want to go home but you have to go to the final round at 11 p.m. and you get home at 12 in the morning.”
For students the world of speech and debate opens a portal of possibilities for academic success. They have the chance to make connections with not only other debaters, but coaches and spectators. Because the students compete with other schools every weekend, their long hours of dedication are able to be showcased at competitions.
“Speech and debate offers connections to college,” Espino said. “So many different types of industries are involved and speech and debate kids love each other. It’s awesome.”
The realm of speech and debate not only offers connections and relationships, but offers students the opportunity to grow as individuals. Each year students in this organization bring home trophies and are committed to representing the school.
“The tournaments build a lot of connections for sure,” Espino said. “Debate takes a lot of time and energy but it’s all worth it.”
