Speech and Debate off to a strong start

Most of the glory in the high school often goes to the athletes, but the La Porte Speech and Debate team has made a case that they shouldn’t be counted out.

Speech and Debate are co-curricular by-application classes that are advised by Mrs. Arney and Miss Baugh, who are LPHS English teacher.

Speech and Debate are classes that have a competition element. Students spend many weekends traveling to and hosting competitions. Students learn to communicate efficiently and being able to argue in a controlled and competitive nature.

“I enjoy Speech and Debate due to its competitive nature and the challenges it provides. It has opened my eyes to many topics and worldly issues I would have never looked into and helped me improve upon my public speaking and researching skills,” Karlie Nichols, sophomore, said.

In the Speech category, they have events such as Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglass, Congress, and World School. And in the Debate category, they have events such as Broadcasting, Discussion, Extemporaneous speaking (US and International), Impromptu, Informative, Duo Interpretation, Drama Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Prose, Poetry, Programmed Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, and Original Performance. 

Although this is a building year, the Speech and Debate teams are thinking big when it comes to their goals and aspirations. They are planning on expanding the team to help kids learn how to multitask, to communicate effectively, to disagree on topics, and to create close bonds. Due to the amount of time spent in and out of class, bonds are quickly formed.

“When you work closely with these students, and you do that over a long period of time, you see the impact on their lives, and yours,” Arney said.

The teams have done well so far. Shakrya Parker, Tyrel Miller, Andrew Mrozinske, Ryan Sittig have all been competing in Congress and have had strong placings. Lincoln Douglas group of blended grade level that includes Katie Ott, Simone Pollock and newcomer Christian Ross are working hard for the big tournaments coming up in January. 

The Speech and Debate Team will be headed down Indiana University Northwest on January 11 to compete in another Speech and Debate competition.