The OOHS Speech and Debate team has had an eventful start of the year. With competitions all over the state, from Northeast Ohio to Cincinnati. The past few months have been nonstop for all competitors. Dec. 2, the team competed at Vermillion High School. The week before that, they were at Olentangy Liberty High School. The competition has been tough.
“I learned that there are great competitors from all over the state,” sophomore Samira Kandhari said. “Oftentimes Liberty and Tangy seem like the hardest kids to beat, but Solon and other Cleveland district kids were difficult.”
Speech and Debate is not just one game. There are multiple events that students can choose to participate in, though most only compete in one. Public Forum focuses on fast debate and speaking. Congress is about giving speeches and intense debate. Original oratory is an event that focuses on the art of oration, with competitors speaking with emotion and passion. Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a one-on-on argument about a specific issue. And there are countless speaking events.
Orange has students competing in each event. Each week, the team meets and students divide into groups based on their event. Congress typically reviews the docket for the month, discussing bills and preparing speeches on them. They also discuss technique and strategy on how to place the highest in a chamber. Congress is an individual event, but it is also a team. Competitors give each 0ther feedback and encouragement during meetings.
“I have enjoyed being a part of an encouraging team and I especially enjoy meeting at Panera to practice speeches before a competition,” Kandhari said.
At Vermillion, competitors tried to do what they do every week. Speech and Debate is about improving yourself and improving the team. Orange finished 19th in team sweepstakes last competition.
“I hope to continue to improve and hopefully place again,” Kandhari said.
The entire team has the same goal.
