National Speech and Debate Tournament

The Thunderbird speech and debate team had a strong showing this summer at the National Speech and Debate Tournament, held in Des Moines, Iowa, in June. The tournament was attended by 5,751 student entries from 1,291 schools, showcasing the depth and talent of the nation's top speech and debate competitors.
Kira Schwimmer represented Team Arizona in World School Debate. This debate is made up of 4-5 members of various schools from all over the state working together to make a cohesive team. Arizona team Teal did extremely well at the tournament, placing in the top 8 teams overall (the 96th percentile), competing against 193 teams from all over the world.
Sebastian Matta, representing Thunderbird, competed in two events. In Impromptu speaking, Matta finished in the 82nd percentile, placing 112th out of 615 entries. In Extemp Commentary, Matta placed 190th out of 415 entries, demonstrating his ability to deliver compelling and well-reasoned speeches on short notice.
Sebastian also competed in the Coolidge Cup National Championship, held in Plymouth, Vermont in July. Sebastian placed 26th overall against 84 competitors from around the United States in this specialized form of debate.
The Thunderbird team's dedication and hard work were evident throughout the tournaments, and their overall performance is a testament to their commitment and the quality of their training.
The Thunderbird speech and debate team would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the volunteers who make these tournaments possible. The countless hours spent judging rounds, providing feedback, and ensuring the smooth operation of the event are invaluable contributions that allow students like those from Thunderbird to showcase their talents and grow as public speakers and critical thinkers.
More information about forensics (including how to compete, judge, or volunteer) can be found on the Speech and Debate website or by reaching out to Erin Long, the school's coach.