The Dayton High School Debate Policy debate teams of Hillary Waterstreet-Federico Garcia and Ben Cruz-Ryan Roseman competed at the National Speech and Debate Association East Texas District Tournament on Feb. 28 – March 2 at Cypress Creek High School.
At the conclusion of the district meet, Hillary Waterstreet and Federico Garcia earned a bid to the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament and earned the distinction of NSDA National Qualifier. Ben Cruz and Ryan Roseman earned the award of NSDA Finalist and are alternates to the National Tournament.
The NSDA was originally founded as the National Forensic League in 1925 to motivate high school students to participate in speech and debate activities. Today, the organization’s mission is to connect, support, and inspire a diverse community committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate.
The National Speech & Debate Tournament is one of the largest academic contests and brings more than 4,500 students from more than 1,200 schools from across the country, U.S. for a week of rigorous competition to determine national champions.
According to DHS Debate Coach James Kingsmill, “The East Texas NSDA District is a tough district with over 40 active schools. We were going up against some of the largest Houston area high school debate programs. I am extremely proud of our students for this accomplishment.”
The NSDA National Tournament will be held June 16-21 in Dallas.