Speech and Debate Holds a Value No Judge Can Score
Published in Colorado High School Activities Association.
Speech and debate is one of the largest academic activities in the country. The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) reports more than 140,000 active student members each year. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), when coaches, judges, and support personnel are included, that number rises to more than 150,000 individuals annually.
At the center of the season is the NSDA National Speech & Debate Tournament – the capstone event where more than 23 competitive events across speech, debate and congressional categories crown national champions.
In each event, dozens of students advance to elimination rounds, and specialized trophies are awarded to top finalists. Team honors include 10 Schools of Outstanding Distinction, the highest recognition, along with 20 Speech Schools of Excellence and 20 Debate Schools of Excellence.
The stage is bright. The awards are numerous. The competition is real. But inside programs across the country, coaches and students describe a different return on investment, one that cannot be polished and placed in a display case.
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