This past week, on February 14th, the Rangeview Speech and Debate team ended their season this past Saturday at the City Championships, dominating the competition, earning them the Speech team of the year. Although the team as a whole has killed the game this year, there were a few students who really stood out in this last tournament, as well as receiving awards for their moving and powerful speaking. Naomi Tamajong, who has won numerous awards in slam poetry. Kaeden LaBelle, who won awards in congressional debate. A really big highlight was Rangeview’s own Eliora Tewodros being named speech person of the year, on top of winning awards in the category of Original Oratory. The club’s progress from last year was so outstanding that it has drawn attention to the organization. What caused such a big shift in the performance at these tournaments, and how do the speakers feel about this monumental success?
The speaker of the year, Eliora Tewdros, states that a really big part of being successful as a team is the connection that the contestants build with each other throughout being part of the club.
“ You all grow to be friends and understand each other; everyone is so uplifting, and they help you in areas that you need during tournaments. It’s like one big family.”
The speech and debate club is a place where people come together to further their abilities and confidence when it comes to speaking in front of other people. Although it can be an intimidating step to take, the club takes pride in building students into successful speakers, in the words of Eliora, “ When I started speech and debate, the first time I did a tournament, I didn’t even place. Being able to practice speaking and supporting writing helped to grow my skills. So, you don’t have to be good to join speech and debate, but joining the club will grow your ability to face your fears of speaking.”
This large jump in the triumph of the team is an inspiring story for the future of the team, and hopefully, it will stir people to face their fears and feel a sense of accomplishment. Eliora states once more, “And competing when you know that you tried your best is so amazing, I would be sitting waiting for my turn, my heart would be racing, but then you go and give your speech, and it’s like ‘wow, I did so awesome.’” Not only is speech and debate a space for others to challenge themselves and to express their ideas, but also a space for growth and an area to find meaningful connections. Overall, Speech and Debate is a space where Rangeviews students find themselves, gain new skills, and become part of an encouraging and positive community.
