Speech and Debate Club Develops Confident Students
Aarushi Dedhiya
Staff Writer
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Mrs. Pickering advises the Speech and Debate Club
The Speech and Debate Club started their meetings in September. The team has many planned goals for the various tournaments and district competition early next year.
Mrs. Pickering is the current advisor for the Speech and Debate Club and has been coaching for around 10 years.
Mrs. Pickering shared her favorite parts of being a debate coach. “I love getting to work with terrific students, helping students, and watching students help each other,” Pickering said. “I get blown away, often, by the growth I witness in team members over the course of their years on the team. Lastly, I get to be part of a team that is intellectually challenging, exciting, engaging, and fun.”
She also shared her upcoming goals for the team. “I aim to help newcomers go from uncertain and sometimes overwhelmed by the choices in speech and debate to committed to their events,” Pickering said. “I want to support all debaters and speech-makers to move toward greater confidence and greater participation in tournaments, and for them to support others to grow stronger in their competition areas.”
Mrs. Pickering has high expectations for all the students part of this club and provides assistance for everyone to excel. Also, together, all the debaters and speech-makers have created a supportive environment to allow learning to prosper.
“We hope to win, as this typically thrills students, at single-day tournaments, Districts, and States,” Pickering said.
Even with the hope of getting a win in the speech or debate competition, the team grows together and becomes better in their respective categories. The Speech and Debate Team continues to prepare with their teamwork and endless determination for another strong year.