HC Speech and Debate looks forward to another dominating season

Speech and Debate has played an important part in many people’s lives. From freshmen to seniors, there is a large variety of students that participate in this club. Freshmen, who are often new to Speech and Debate, may see it as intimidating. However, HC freshmen Grace Grigsby, has been looking forward to this season.

“I looked forward to all of the fun and getting to know people,” Grigsby said.

The students are instructed by HC English teacher Ryan Ray, who is an experienced Speech and Debate sponsor for the team.

“I did Speech and Debate for four years in high school,” HC Speech and Debate instructor Ryan Ray said.

Ray and the students practice every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On special occasions, they hold practice after school on Thursdays. Their competition season started just a few weeks ago.

“The competition was really good,” Grigsby said. “I’m hoping I can at least final in an event.”

Finaling in an event would mean she would have a chance to get a prize. HC junior Abby Hardin has had experience in finaling and even winning.

“I won the season opener,” Hardin said. “This is the second win I’ve ever had.”

Ray also hopes that the team can keep their state title this season.

“I’d also like to see us win Gatlinburg,” Ray added.

Since Abby is a three-year student in debate, and she has done this since freshman year, she has more experience than first-year students would.

“Where I’m a junior, I’m more of a leader than I was in previous years,” she said.

She came into Speech and Debate nervous and scared to do it. Like Grigsby, her friends convinced her to do so.

“It helped me really get out of my comfort zone,” Hardin said. “I’ve loved it ever since.”

Speech and Debate is not just coming up with an argument, it’s constructing both sides of an argument.

“For debate, you have to write two cases,” Hardin said. “You have to write a case for it and a case against it.”

Like many other clubs at HC, Speech and Debate is one that is fun for many.

“One of the things I like to tell my students is that I’m proud of them,” Ray said. “It doesn’t matter to me if we win. As long as the kids are enjoying it and having fun.”

Speech and Debate will continue to be a growing club at HC.

“I just think Speech and Debate is really awesome and fun,” Hardin said. “Anyone who wants to join should definitely join.”