Speech and Debate has played an important role at Grand Rapids City High Middle School for nearly 50 years. Excellence comes in many forms. This past year, we connected with more than 60 middle school and high school students, our largest team ever. Two thirds of them went on to perform at least once during the year; they found a voice of their own, and some? They found the road to high achievement.

This last year, that participation resulted in two state championships in debate, placing in the finals at numerous individual events (Speech) tournaments during the season, and finishing with two state champions and statewide team honors.

This is excellence is not new. City has a record of championship performances in Michigan and plans to take that same performance on the road to the National Speech and Debate tournament to be held in Des Moines IA, June 16-22.

This will be our 14th appearance at Nationals, and with five students, this our largest team ever. At Nationals students test themselves against the best from around the country; this year more than 3,000 students will be taking part. Our students are part of a larger Michigan contingent of students who had qualified earlier in March to be on the state team.

While an honor, the National tournament also imposes costs. We face three significant expenses—roadblocks to our participation: housing, transportation and registration. We are seeking funds to support our students with housing grants ($2,000 to $3000; we would love to cover their total costs), and registration ($1000). Additionally, we would like to provide some surplus ($1,000-$2,000) to build a road to excellence for the Speech and Debate programs in 2024-2025.

Your generous help will make this possible, not only paving a road for success at the 2024 Nationals but giving our students a road for success in the year ahead.

All funds raised will be going into the Speech and Debate account for the City PTSA, a 501c3 organization, when you provide your name and address they will supply a receipt. Should you want to send a check directly, mail to "Treasurer, City PTSA, Grand Rapids City High Middle School, 1720 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505." Thank you for your consideration.

This slide show provides a picture of the breadth of City's program.