Westglades Middle School Speech and Debate Team. {photo courtesy Danny Gurr}
The Westglades Middle School Speech and Debate Team’s first-ever showcase event took place on March 19, raising money to support students heading to the upcoming state championship.
Held inside the school’s auditorium, the event was just the latest chance for the school to showcase the talents and hard work of the debate team students.
Following the event, Brooke Pappas, who oversees the school’s Speech and Debate program, shared with Parkland Talk about how the event was prepared and her excitement about how the first-ever showcase turned out.
“Our team met bi-weekly to rehearse for the showcase after school. We had 32 student performers across various categories,” Pappas said, adding, “It was incredible to see our students bring their favorite events to life on stage.”
The showcase featured performances in storytelling, original oratory, congressional debate, impromptu, public forum, poetry, prose, Lincoln Douglas, informative, and interpretation, meticulously organized by the students.
“Our students created and designed the showcase. They recognized the need for their families to witness their hard work and took the initiative to make it happen,” Pappas added.
According to her, the showcase event was a resounding success, drawing an audience of over 130 people and raising over $1,000.
“This was a significant accomplishment for our team, demonstrating not only their talent but their capability to engage and inspire our school community,” Pappas noted.
With the funds raised, the Speech and Debate team is now poised to support 13 of their 8th-grade students who will be competing in the Florida Forensic League State Championship. “The money we raised is helping to offset and reduce the cost for our students to attend, which is perfect timing,” Pappas explained.
Encouraged by the event’s success, there are plans to make the Speech and Debate Showcase an annual tradition at Westglades Middle School. “The showcase was a massive confidence booster for our students,” Pappas said, adding, “It reminded them that they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to.”
Coming out of the event and already pumped up to do it again, Pappas also expressed gratitude for the incredible support from the community: “I am incredibly grateful for the support from our parents, staff, administration, and the entire community.”
“Speech and Debate is a tremendously valuable program. It teaches our students critical skills that benefit them in any career path.”
Send your news to Parkland’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Parkland Talk. Don’t miss reading Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk.
Author Profile
Related
NewsApril 20, 2025Marjory Stoneman Douglas Students Win $5,000 AI and Cybersecurity Competition
NewsApril 14, 2025Snot Rocket Leads to Domestic Assault Arrest of Parkland Man
NewsMarch 30, 2025Movies in the Park Returns to Parkland With ‘Dog Man’ on April 4
NewsMarch 25, 2025Westglades Middle School Student Bianca Thakur Earns Prestigious Internship in the Florida House
