On March 20, 2026, the Trinity Speech and Debate team went to the Pennsylvania High School Speech League State Championship Tournament. The competition took place at Bloomsburg University, a college in the Susquehanna Valley in northeastern Pennsylvania. The students arrived on campus on Thursday, March 19, and stayed through Saturday, March 21. The actual tournament took place on Friday and Saturday across the campus. Performance on Friday determined whether students would advance to compete on Saturday.
The university provided food and lodging for the competing students, allowing for minimal expenses and a greater focus on the competition.
Out of the club, 15 students qualified for the state competition. To do so, students had to place either first or second at the qualifiers. District qualifiers occurred in February, leaving one month to prepare for the state competition.
In preparation for the state competition, the club practiced at least once a week, occasionally more. Preparation varied depending on the event. While Informative/Persuasive Speaking, Prose and Poetry require more intensive practice and preparation, events with more impromptu speaking require less.
Brooke Lindsay, junior, said, “The prep was a lot of practice and getting all the stuff I needed together.”
Seniors Dakota Lloyd, Micha Mariana and Caden Miller went far in the tournament, with Mariana surviving to Saturday and medalling in Commentary. In addition to the success of these students, Trinity’s Speech and Debate Club won the District Sweepstakes Award, an award earned by the highest ranking school in the district.
One important and desirable part of the Speech and Debate club is how it helps prepare young people for the world beyond school. Social interaction is a huge part of success after graduation.
Lloyd said, “Communication is such an important part of how we function and what we do, so being able to communicate effectively and eloquently is very useful. It’s given me a lot of insight into the professional world as well. People don’t realize how much communication and public speaking play a role in so many jobs, whether you want to be a teacher or a lawyer, so I would say that is very valuable.”
This year’s success will be added to the long list of achievements of the Speech and Debate Club. The club’s legacy continues to grow, both through the students who compete and the teachers who make it all happen. Many of the club members are graduating this year, so the club will be recruiting next year.
Lloyd added, “I am very thankful for the program and really have felt its impact. Mrs. Berty is one of the most important people I have met in my academic career, and I cannot express how thankful I am to her. I would recommend it to anyone looking to build their college app, simply get more involved, or develop their public speaking and debate skills.”
