Written by Taylor Berberich, Sr. Marketing & Communications Coordinator MORE THAN ARGUING: THE CASE FOR DEBATE When you think of speech & debate, you likely think of people in suits, arguing behind big podiums on even bigger stages. Though building an effective argument is a key aspect of the activity, it’s far from the full […]
Not Up for Debate: How Safe Spaces & Speaking Up Leads to Lifelong Success Read More »
By Taylor Berberich, Jr. Marketing & Communications Coordinator Quotes provided by Kai Espinas and Kalib Stevens, El Cerrito High School Kai Espinas and Kalib Stevens are rising seniors at El Cerrito High School, where they have been part of the school’s speech and debate club since their freshman and sophomore year, respectively. Over the course
Kai and Kalib Go to State Read More »
I was in third grade when I first heard about speech and debate. I remember my teacher, Sally Woolsey, telling my mom about the amazing program at El Cerrito High School. As a quiet, reserved, 8-year old, debate sounded horrifying. For my mom, who had immigrated from the Philippines to California in her twenties, debate
An Ode to El Cerrito High Speech and Debate Read More »
Davis High School student Matteo Nouve hardly looks nervous at all as he walks up the front of his school cafeteria to give his speech about art education. Even at the end of the program after ten other student speeches, the room is quiet and the eyes of fifty parents and educators are on him.
Getting Ready to Speak: Creating Student-Led, Inclusive Communities Read More »
It is 3:30pm on a Tuesday, and 14 high school students have gathered together to prepare speeches for an upcoming community engagement night. It is the first time they have been invited as keynote speakers and they know it is a big deal. Chattering excitedly over pizza, they try to figure out what issues from
Rethinking Leadership: Helping Youth Have a Voice Read More »