Who are we?

In debate, students learn to research, discuss, and deliberate over important and timely issues. Learning how to defend a position you don't necessarily agree with is a life skill!

In speech, students explore their creative sides, performing a variety of styles, from reciting poetry to acting out movie scenes. Students learn how to engage audiences and use their voices!

Testimonials

"FHS speech and debate has taught me many important lessons and also expanded my knowledge of the world around me! Not only do we get to compete at a high level, but we also learn about many important issues impacting the world through debate research! The team is very dedicated and tight-knit, and I have learned so many ways to demonstrate leadership!" -Corinne Maddox, Junior

"Debate has taught me so much about thinking on my feet, speaking confidently, and being open to perspectives different from my own. What I remember the most is the people and practicing our events together at tournaments. I loved debate because it pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow not only as a speaker, but as a person." - Maggie Burke, class of 2025

"Speech and debate opened up a whole new world for me. Before, if you had told me to write a 10-minute speech, memorize it, and perform in front of contestants and judges, I would never have thought I was capable of pulling that off. Speech and debate has taught me so much that I can take with me into the future to college, social settings, job interviews, friendships, and more. I'm so grateful to have discovered speech and debate and gained many amazing relationships." -Mina Sherzad, Junior