It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Wellington Community High School Speech and Debate!
Speech and Debate is an excellent activity that has the potential to help students in every aspect of education. Past graduates and current varsity testify to the immense benefits of participating in the program. Most of these students agree that in high-powered courses (such as AP History, AP English, Cambridge AICE classes, and many others), Speech and Debate team members have an edge over other students. Because they are familiar with current issues and have already learned research, organization, note-taking, speaking, and critical thinking skills through Speech and Debate, they tend to have an easier time and get better grades.
The success of Speech and Debate participants upon graduation has been phenomenal. Many former Wellington Speech and Debate students have attended prestigious colleges like Harvard, George Washington, Wake Forest, Duke, Southern Methodist, Northwestern, UPenn, Cornell, George Mason, DePaul, and Emory, as well as all Florida public university campuses. Many qualify for scholarships as well. Wherever they go after high school, they all agree on one thing: Speech and Debate helped them to succeed after high school and they’re glad they participated.
Not only is Speech and Debate useful for school, it’s FUN! Speech and Debate gives students the opportunity to meet a wider variety of students from other schools throughout the area and the state. Because Speech and Debate is very much a team activity, students will be working closely with other students and forming friendships, learning important social and interpersonal communications skills.
Speech and Debate provides many rewards, but it can also be a commitment of time and energy. Parents may find demands placed on their time for transportation, judging, and perhaps chaperoning. There are associated costs as well: tournament entry fees, professional wardrobe, travel expenses, etc. However, the benefits of participation are invaluable and we are glad to have adults as a part of our team.
Again, Welcome to Wellington Speech & Debate!