SPEECH & DEBATE

speech & debate

The Smithville High School Speech and Debate Team competes against schools across the Greater Kansas City area in a variety of competitive acting and speaking events, as well as in several styles of debate.  Smithville Speech and Debate competes in both the MEC and Greater Kansas City Suburban Conferences. The Debate season stretches from October to February, with bi-monthly invitational events leading up to District competition in March and State competition in April. The explosively growing Smithville program was extremely competitive at Districts again this year, sending students to State Competition in Springfield.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Speech and Debate has several benefits. Students who commit themselves to Debate learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills and gain the ability to excel in public speaking. Speech and Debate experience leads to better grades, higher standardized test scores, stronger college admissions results, and a host of vital life-long job skills.  Students who compete in a modest number of Speech and Debate events become part of the National Speech and Debate Association, an honor society which allows for continued advancement to greater honors as trophies in various events, and massive amounts of self-confidence as they learn and grow.

CONTACTS

Nicki Wagner
Head Speech & Debate Coach wagnern@smithville.k12.mo.us 

Kristina Wornson
Assistant Speech & Debate Coach

wornsonk@smithville.k12.mo.us 

Zachary Kelly
Assistant Speech & Debate Coach

kellyz@smithville.k12.mo.us