AWARD WINNING SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
TAPPS 3A
STATE CHAMPIONS
2022
TAPPS 3A
STATE RUNNERS UP
2021
TAPPS 3A
STATE CHAMPIONS
2019
TAPPS 3A
STATE CHAMPIONS
2018
TAPPS 3A
STATE RUNNERS UP
2017
TAPPS 3A
STATE CHAMPIONS
2016
TAPPS 3A
STATE CHAMPIONS
2015
The Speech and Debate Team is for students in 9th-12th grades who want to focus on the competitive performance of public speaking, debating, and interpretation events, competing at private and public-school tournaments throughout the year. The Crusaders have placed in the top 3 in TAPPS every year since 2014, including winning five TAPPS Academic State Championships in combination with the academic team: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Sarah Benitz is the top state competitor, with an impressive three 1st places and two 2nd place finishes her senior year.
RRCA has an active membership in the National Speech and Debate Association, the largest speech and debate organization for public and private schools. Despite our small team, we have had success on the national level, which includes Matthew Tweden being the Coolidge Cup National Champion in 2020. He was a two-time Congressional Debate Finalist in the Senate Chamber, placing 4th his senior year. He concluded his career being named an NSDA All American competitor. In 2021, RRCA was named an NSDA Debate School of Excellence at the National Tournament.
In 2022, Douglas Chaiken was named the NSDA Storytelling National Champion. Kiera Dixon was the top female competitor in Congressional Debate in the country, taking 3rd place in the House Chamber in 2022 and 8th place in 2023. In addition, she was a member of the USA Debate team in her senior year, competing internationally. Several competitors have reached the elimination rounds in various events.
The Speech and Debate Team is coached by Cathleen Ferose.
