Google Classroom:  epdnynd

Remind App:  text @kmssd to 81010    Twitter: @KenstonSpeech

Instagram:  kenstonspeechanddebate

What is Speech and Debate?  Speech and Debate is a fun academic competition against other schools that focuses on public speaking, debating, research, writing and acting skills. Students compete in one of six events against approximately ten schools at each tournament. Instead of only one event occurring at a time as at a swim meet, all students compete in their events at the same time in separate classrooms in four separate rounds at each tournament, against different schools in each round. Students debate topics such as whether artificial intelligence is more beneficial or harmful, and whether there should be price controls on prescription drugs.  Students also may write speeches on any topic they want, such as Attention Deficit Disorder or cliques, or perform a ten-minute portion of a play or book. We don’t have try-outs. Everyone is welcome and will be able to compete at tournaments. You don’t need to be a good speaker; rather, the point of being on the team is to become a better speaker.  

Why join?  Competing at tournaments is fun!  Speech and Debate also teaches you to be a polished public speaker, to develop argumentative, writing and research skills, and to increase your confidence!  You can also become a part of a winning team:  KMS was the state champion last season in four of the six events and was the Public Forum Debate state champion during three of the last four state tournaments.  This past June at Nationals in Arizona, a team member placed third in the country in Congressional Debate and another was the fourth best Public Forum Debate speaker!  Speech and Debate has been a tradition at Kenston for 25 years! 

Can I also participate in sports, the musical, Power of the Pen or Science Olympiad?  Yes!  You are not required to attend every Speech and Debate tournament or practice.

When and where are practices?  Practices start on Oct. 25, 2023, but students may join the team any time during the season.  Team practices are Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm in KHS A112.  If you are unable to attend Wednesday nights, feel free to practice with the high school team at the same place and time on Tuesday or Thursday nights.

When and where are the competitions?  We compete in Saturday tournaments at schools in Northeastern Ohio beginning in mid-November.  Everyone in middle school is eligible to compete at Middle School States on March 9, 2024.  Top individual awards (usually trophies or ribbons) are given at each tournament, to which we take Kenston school buses.

How do I sign-up?  If you are interested in joining the team or getting additional information, please join the Google Classroom using code epdnynd, attend the parent/student info meeting on Wed., Oct. 18, 6:30pm, in the KHS Auburn-Bainbridge Room, attend a practice, or email Coach Voudris at Email Stephan Voudris