Junior Sarah Hitt and Sophomore Amanda Yellen practice their one versus one debates for an upcoming competition. Photo Credit RACHEL SHARPE
BY JESSICA WEAVER
The National Forensic League has recognized Cooper City High School’s Speech and Debate team in the top 10% in the nation.
The team got this designation for receiving over 100 degrees. For each competition students participate in, they earn a certain threshold of points that equal one degree.
“We have grown to a point where we are skilled in multiple events,” CCHS’s debate teacher Mr. Tanner said.
Earning over 100 degrees during the tournaments has caused CCHS to fall in to the 10th percentile of the National Forensic League, a non-profit society created to recognize high school students in speech and debate.
“Before we were in the top 10% of the N.F.L. schools, we were considered underdogs to most of the other schools. Now I feel schools won’t look down on us anymore,” sophomore debater Marissa Cohen said.
Already this year CCHS’s debate team has competed in two competitions. The team usually participates in an average two per month. To prepare for competitions students study and improve their speech and debate techniques through the debate class and club offered at CCHS.
The speech and debate team participates in competitive events such as one on one debate on values, two on two debates on facts or policy opinions and student congress, which is a large group debate in which participants argue for and against legislation.
The students in speech and debate have worked hard to place in the top 10% and continue to focus and dedicate their time to improve future competitions.
