WHY JOIN THE JCHS SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM?
BECAUSE IT CHANGES EVERYTHING!
At Jay Speech & Debate, students won't just learn to act, speak, and argue...they learn to listen, lead, and think critically about the world around them. We offer a space where every voice matters, and every student has the chance to discover who they are and what they stand for.
Students will personally select what they wish to do in the activity. If they want to focus exclusively on acting, they can! If they want to focus on developing their public speaking...they can! If they wish to argue and debate...they can! If they wish to dabble in all three...they can! We want each student to enjoy their experience, so we provide this flexibility.
What Students Gain
A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY
This isn’t just a team...it’s a family! You’ll bond over long bus rides, laugh during team dinners, and cheer each other on at every round. We celebrate each other’s wins and lift each other up after losses. No one goes it alone here. This is a promise...YOU WILL MAKE FRIENDS ON THIS TEAM!
CONFIDENCE THAT COMMANDS ATTENTION
You’ll learn how to speak and perform with clarity and conviction…whether you're in front of a crowd, a classroom, or just your friends. That nervous feeling before speaking? You’ll conquer it. We’ll teach you how to own the room, speak up in class, and never mumble through a presentation again.
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Every tournament is a chance to grow. You’ll compete against schools from all over and get real feedback to help you improve. And whether you're a novice or varsity champ, every round helps you sharpen your skills. Plus — winning trophies doesn’t hurt...and our team does that often. We are currently ranked #1 in our District, #2 in the State of Missouri, and #30 in the entire country! YOU ARE JOINING A LEGACY OF CHAMPIONS!
REAL-WORLD READINESS
Whether you’re preparing for a college interview, a job, or just life, speech and debate gives you the tools to succeed. You’ll learn how to manage time, think fast under pressure, and make solid decisions. The skills you build here will show up everywhere — in school, in work, and in life.
A BOOST TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Speech and Debate stands out on college applications. It shows dedication, intelligence, leadership, and grit — exactly what admissions officers love. Our alumni have gone on to schools like Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, SLU, UMKC, Dartmouth, and even Harvard Law. This activity opens doors.
What Parents See
PERSONAL GROWTH & CONFIDENCE
You’ll watch your child step out of their comfort zone and into their full potential. Students who join our team become more self-assured, articulate, and motivated. The shy freshman who barely spoke up in class might just become the senior leading the next team huddle or delivering a speech to hundreds.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
YSpeech and Debate enhances core academic skills. Students research, write, analyze, and present regularly — which leads to stronger performance in classes like English, History, and Government. Debate teaches time management, organization, and discipline, which translates to real results in the classroom.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
Colleges don’t just want good grades — they want students who stand out. Debate gives your child a competitive edge. Our program has helped students gain admission to top universities including Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, SLU, UMKC, Dartmouth, and Harvard Law. The experience your child gains here directly supports their future goals.
SUPPORTIVE, SAFE COMMUNITY
We know the importance of surrounding students with mentors and positive peers. On our team, students are encouraged, not pressured. They're guided by coaches and upperclassmen who want to see them succeed. It’s a community where young people learn how to challenge ideas — not each other.
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
From weekend tournaments to national competitions, your child will travel, explore new ideas, and meet students from across the country. These experiences broaden their perspective, build independence, and create memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Don't just take it from the coach...hear directly from the kids in the program!
Harrison Lane
Team President - Class of 2026
"Debate taught me how to think for myself, how to stand up for others, and how to keep growing even when it’s hard. I’m more open-minded, more resilient, and more aware of the world around me than I ever was before. I became a better version of myself because of this team."
Townes Baker
Recruitment Director - Class of 2026
"People think speech and debate is all stress...and don’t get me wrong, we work hard, but this team knows how to have fun. Late-night hotel room games, team chants, dance-offs between rounds, and inside jokes that’ll never get old… this team brings joy into the grind. You won't regret it!"
Miles Sweazea
Class of 2025
"Before debate, I was constantly second-guessing myself — my voice, my opinions, even my personality. This team gave me the space to not only speak but to believe that what I had to say mattered. I learned how to be comfortable in my own skin, and for the first time, I saw myself as someone worth listening to."
Anagha Garikapaty
Class of 2025
"High school can feel overwhelming when you're just trying to find where you fit. For me, that place was Jay Speech & Debate. It gave me more than a team...it gave me a second home. I found people who welcomed me exactly as I was, pushed me to grow, and celebrated every step I took. I learned how to speak with confidence, think for myself, and make friendships that will last long after graduation."
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India Lengyel
Class of 2025
"I used to think acting was just memorizing lines and speaking loud. Then I joined the speech team. Through events like Dramatic Interpretation, I learned how to build characters, use silence, control my expressions, and connect with an audience in a real way. My stage presence, my timing, even my understanding of storytelling...all of it leveled up."
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Arjun Garikapaty
Class of 2025
"It’s rare to find a group of high schoolers who are both driven and kind, but that’s exactly what this team is. Everyone here cares about their grades, their goals, and helping each other succeed. We study together between rounds, cheer each other on, and push each other to get better. It’s motivating to be surrounded by people who take school seriously, but also support you when you fall short."