Speech and Debate Team

Overview

The Speech and Debate Team is for students in 9th-12th who want to focus on the competitive performance of public speaking, debating, and interpretation events.  This award winning team has consistently placed at both private and public school tournaments, including winning four TAPPS Academic State Championships in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 combined with the academic team, as well as two runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2021.  

RRCA has an active membership in the National Speech and Debate Association, the speech and debate honor society for public and private schools.  Through this organization, students have won a number of national awards. 

The Speech and Debate Team is coached by Cathleen Ferose.

2021 Highlights

Kiera Dixon takes 4th  at Capitol Congress in the House.

Crusaders take 1st in Sweepstakes in fall tournaments. 

Douglas Chaiken was named the top competitor at the Mountain View Toro Country Classic in Arizona out of students from 41 schools. 

6 students competed at nationals in June, our largest group.

Matthew Tweden (class of 2021) was named a NSDA All American competitor after a noteworthy high school career, ending with a 4th place finish in the Senate chamber in Congressional Debate at the National Tournament.  Additionally, teammate Kiera Dixon reached semi-finals of the House chamber and placed in semis of Prepared Prompt.