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Speech and Debate
Speech and Debate
WHAT IS SPEECH AND DEBATE?
Speech and debate is a collection of competitive events where students form skills for critical thinking, communication, and advocacy through both prepared and impromptu discussion with other students. More than two dozen unique event categories exist between the state and national competition levels, each focusing on a different aspect of the skills students develop throughout their speech and debate career. Willamette High School began our legacy of speech and debate in 1951, making it one of the earliest and most storied activities that our school offers. Members of our team continue to add to our extensive accolades, including the 2003 Policy Debate National Champions.
BENEFITS OF SPEECH AND DEBATE
Speech and debate facilitates countless personal and professional opportunities for students who participate. Students on our team have travelled throughout Oregon and to seven other states in the last four years, they feel more confident, and they have formed lifelong friendships with their teammates. Serious competitors can also gain the skillset to receive scholarships, network with professionals, and advance their future careers. Students on our team earned thousands of dollars of college scholarships last year alone.
MORE INFORMATION
We meet every Monday after school in room 18 for practice. If you'd like to join or get more information, feel free to stop by anytime! Our schedule for the year is attached, as well as information about how supporters of our team can volunteer. There is also a link to the National Speech and Debate Association website that gives more details about events that are available for students to participate in.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
2025-26 Speech and Debate Calendar
National Speech and Debate Website
Contact Us!
Alex Larsen, Speech and Debate Coach
Ben Dodds, Social Studies Teacher & Speech and Debate Coach