What is Speech and Debate?
The Speech & Debate Team is a competitive academic sport where students build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and learn to think critically about the world around them. Through a blend of public speaking, performance, argumentation, and research, students grow into articulate, informed, and ethical leaders. Speech & Debate will assist students with clear communication, time management, collaboration, intellectual honesty.

Students learn to express themselves, listen to others, and engage respectfully with diverse ideas. Whether a student loves acting, enjoys analyzing issues, or wants to develop leadership skills, there is a place for them on our team.

Speech events focus on performance, storytelling, and effective delivery. It helps students grow in poise, creativity, and confidence, both on stage and in everyday communication.
Students will learn how to:

Perform dramatic or humorous pieces solo or as a duo
Give original speeches they write themselves
Deliver powerful, thought provoking, and persuasive messages
Explore and present important social issues

Debate events teach students to analyze complex issues and advocate their side with well‑reasoned arguments. It will empower students with cognitive and critical thinking skills, civic awareness, and intellectual discipline.
Students will learn how to:

Research current events and public policy
Construct logical, evidence‑based arguments
Respond under pressure with confidence and respect
Collaborate with teammates to build strategy

How can students see what you are doing?
CHS – Central High School Activities Facebook Page, team social media, or contact a coach
SHS—Contact a coach and make arrangements to watch a practice

How can a student get involved?
Students may get involved by contacting one of the coaches or by attending a practice.

When do you meet?
Central High School – Practices are held after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Stevens High School- Practices are held beginning of September through end of February, Mon - Wed in the Stevens library from 3:30pm - 5pm

Coaches -

Central High School Head Coach
Ariel Pozorski
(605) 390-8314
Email Ariel Pozorski

Central High School Asst Coach
Zachary Powers
(605) 394-4023
Email Zachary Powers

 Central High School Asst Coach
Evan Sand
(605) 394-4042
Email Evan Sand

Stevens High School Head Coach
Ryan Harris
(605) 394-4054
Email Ryan Harris

Stevens High School Asst Head Coach
Sean Bradley
(605) 394-4054
Email Sean Bradley

Stevens High School Asst Coach
Melinda Darner
(605) 394-4054
Email Melinda Darnell

RCAS Service and Leadership Opportunities

FFA Rapid City

National Honor Society

High School Student Council

HOSA

JROTC

FBLA

Speech and Debate

Educators Rising

Student School Board