From September through late March, members of the Speech and Debate Team spend seven months refining arguments, practicing delivery and preparing to compete against some of the strongest programs in the region. What begins as after-school practices in the fall builds toward one major goal: qualifying for and competing at the Pennsylvania State Competition in March.
Throughout the season, the team faces a range of schools, including Kiski Prep, Greensburg-Salem, Greater Latrobe, Hempfield and McKeesport. These competitive meets push team members to continuously improve both their research and speaking abilities.
Practices typically take place a few days a week after school and vary depending on the time of year. Early in the season, before students choose their specific competitive categories, meetings often focus on group activities such as spar debates and practice speeches. Once categories are selected, practices become more specialized, allowing students to focus on the events they will compete in during qualifying tournaments.
Guiding the team through the season are advisors Mrs. Berty and Mr. Komula, who help students stay organized, motivated and prepared. Under their guidance, team members learn how to structure arguments, speak with confidence and think critically under pressure—skills that extend far beyond competition days.
Students rely on a mix of online research and library resources, always prioritizing credible and reliable sources. This process teaches members how to evaluate information carefully, an increasingly important skill in today’s information-heavy world.
For many students, Speech and Debate is more than just a club; it is preparation for the future. The skills club members gain are valuable in nearly any career. Some team members plan to continue using these abilities in college and in future jobs that require strong communication and analytical thinking.
“Being on the debate team has definitely helped to develop my speaking and debate skills, and it’s also helped teach me how to be a part of a team,” club member Olivia Angelo, junior, shared.
This year’s team also recognizes the contributions of its senior members, who have helped shape the club through their leadership and experience. The seniors include Sarah Losko, Micha Mariana, Dakota Lloyd, Cadence Wright, Lily Hoy, Caden Miller and Katherine Drezewski. As they near the end of their high school careers, they leave behind a strong foundation for underclassmen to build upon in future seasons.
Looking ahead, the team’s goal for the remainder of the season is to have most members qualify for States and to perform confidently at the March State Competition. Regardless of the results, the season represents months of dedication, growth and teamwork.
