U.S. history teacher Archie Barron saw a need to bring the power of forensics education to Kanapaha Middle School two years ago, thus starting the school’s first ever Speech and Debate team. This month, the team took home the state title at the National Speech and Debate Championship in Orlando.
“Last year, not many of my students got into the competition side of [speech and] debate, but this year is a totally different issue,” Barron said.
The team of seventh and eighth graders has a lineup of 32 students this year. Of these, 22 participated in the state virtual competition in October, with 11 advancing to the final championship in Orlando.
The three-day competition challenged students with events such as the Extemporaneous Debate, Impromptu Speaking and more Congressional Debate, hosted by the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative.
Students’ skills exceed expectations for someone their age. Students write their speeches and research topics all on their own. If one student is struggling, they work as a team to help lift each other up.
The team’s hard work and synergy paid off. Six students placed in the top five of the three main events. Simon Denahan won first place overall, earning a $1,000 college scholarship, followed by Ollie Flanagan in second place overall, earning a $500 college scholarship. They received many accolades at the championship on top of their state win.
While the trophies and scholarships are a great perk, Barron says the skills and knowledge the students gain are worth far more.
“I always tell my students that the skills that they are learning and mastering in Speech and Debate are skills that they will use in high school, college or in their adult work life,” Barron said. “Speech and Debate is a great class for any type of student.”
The National Speech and Debate Association also proves this to be true, citing that forensics education breeds critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, oral competency, test-taking and academic achievement — all skills students can carry with them through school, college and the workforce. However, Barron aims to make Kanapaha’s Speech and Debate team about more than developing skills.
“I try to make my class and team as fun as can be,” Barron said. “They are developing into a tight knit group, which I am happy about.”
Article written by Shelley Akins