Speech and debate activities are competitive, take practice, dedication, and hard work. Using these skills, SFC brings home the trophies.
Speech and debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one’s feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society.1
Speech and Debate Coach Augustus Garcia began as a high school speech and debate competitor, so it was a natural fit to coach at SFC. “Speech and Debate is the single most challenging and rewarding activity you can do in high school,” says Coach Augustus Garcia, “It forces students to think globally and pay attention to what is going on in our world today.”
As a member of the National Speech and Debate Association, SFC participates in local competitions that lead to the state level. There are also national qualifying competitions leading to a national tournament. While SFC is usually a very small entry into the tournaments they compete in, they almost always walk away with a trophy at the end of the day.
Matthew Sorge has been competing since his freshman year and last year was a double national qualifier. “My favorite part of speech and debate is traveling to tournaments all over the country. I’ve had some tremendous experiences in New York City, New Orleans, and Dallas. I’ve also made some great friends., recounts Sorge. Coach Garcia emphatically states, “The kids I see at the tournaments are the future movers and shakers. Any student that sticks with the program can develop into an amazing, confident leader.”
1The National Speech and Debate Association
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