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.”
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Author Profile
- Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
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