With the start of a new year, Speech and Debate is looking forward to competing in more competitions this year. Specifically, they hope that they can go to one in February at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Of course going to Harvard to compete is going to take time, dedication, and money. Having the goal of Harvard in mind, the Speech and Debate team will try to beat the odds to make this trip happen.
Speech and Debate Coach Belinda Medellin says that the Holmes campus can help the Speech and Debate team on the road to Harvard by supporting their fundraiser. Not only that, but also learning from the team and supporting them as well.
“Of course by our t-shirts that we’re selling October 1 through the 9, which are Dios De Los Muertos inspired, but also any Speech and Debate kids that they see going, just be supportive to them, ask them questions about what it’s like, and then maybe also learn from these kids and this team, that wow if there’s something that they want to do they just have to try, and motivate us,” Medellin said.
For those who don’t know what is going on, speech and debate is trying to go to Harvard. Here, Ms. Medellin, gives the run down by explaining why she’s trying to get our debate team there.
“There is a speech and debate tournament, at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts and it is a large speech and debate tournament, that not too many schools can go to because of the cost. But because for the past four years we have had a team of some really dedicated students, I want to try to do whatever I can to give some of the students an opportunity that may never have again in their lifetime,” Medellin said.
But with going to Harvard there are some obstacles in the way. One of these obstacles is trying to raise enough money to get there, says the Debate president Ashlynn Hall, but she also see’s this as another obstacle that the team will prevail.
“The main obstacle that we are facing right now is fundraising, and I’m really hoping that doesn’t get too much in the way but if it does, I feel like we’re resilient enough to find ways to overcome it,” Hall said.
All in all it’s a very exciting time for the Speech and Debate team, and many members are excited about the future and also at the chance of going to Harvard. Speech and Debate team member, Leslie Nunez, is looking forward to this year and at the chance of going to Harvard and what it means.
“Well going to Harvard, I’m really excited to go since it’s going to be a bigger school, a bigger variety of people, which is going to help me compete a lot more, and it’s really going to help me open up my voice, I guess you would say. Because it’s a great feeling to be heard by a lot of people,” Nunez said.
Whether the team goes to Harvard or not Ms. Medellin has nothing but high hopes and is looking forward to what’s in store for the Speech and Debate team. She just wants kids to learn and grow from their experiences.
“Whether we go or not, as a coach I just want kids to find their own voice, more importantly not to be afraid to try new things and realizing that hard work does pay off. Learn how to use their minds rather than their fist to solve any problem,” Medellin said.