By Clark Campbell

Hours of arguing about controversial topics, making interactive posters, and eating Cheez-Its? That’s right, Speech and Debate is not such a boring extracurricular, but proves to expand above normal club boundaries.

Speech and Debate practices are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Debates take place on different days of the week, but often are on Fridays. Our Tempe Prep Speech and Debate program is a thriving atmosphere, with many awards won and many more yet to be won.

The program has many contributors including the distinguished debater Violeta Panayotova. Violeta not only participates in both Speech and Debate, but also excels in both categories. Although Speech and Debate is extremely competitive and serious, Violeta confesses, “It’s really fun; I really enjoy it.” Along with eating tons of Cheez-Its, primarily by debater Connor Clark, Speech and Debate also utilizes an aspect of speech, where the participant creates a board for visual aid.

During speech tournaments, two types of speeches are available. Informative speeches are events such as developed arguments, while informal speeches include events such as acting. Recently Violeta gave an informative speech where she created a board displaying different children’s shows, to which she spoke on how television affects children, by displaying violence as socially acceptable. Previously Violeta gave a speech on “shiny and beautiful stickers” and the effect they have.

The Speech and Debate team is well on their way into their season, and they have the proof. The team has won many awards, including several first places, and many, many others. Connor Clark, a novice debater, states, “It’s been a great year so far. We’re raking in trophies, and I’m excited to see the program grow in the coming years.” Connor cannot be over-stating his claim, as the team’s successes prove the claim. Connor himself has had a few first places too.

With such a great growing Speech and Debate team, the team being young and ready for the future, the hope for the rest of the season and seasons to come is set high. Tempe Prep’s rigorous curriculum only helps this great debate team as it grows to greater levels. Look out Great Hearts, TPA has got a team that exceeds all and will only raise the bar for later teams.