Help Send East Speech & Debate To Nationals

Lincoln East Speech and Debate has a long history of national success ranging from individuals placing in the top 10 to the team winning sweepstakes awards. Unfortunately, our school district has decided that national competition is no longer something they will support. While we have tried hard to convince them otherwise, it appears they are unwilling to budge.

As such, our team finds itself in a uniquely challenging position. We have qualified 20 students to the NSDA national tournament this summer, but we are unable to use any team funds, school liability insurance, or other traditional forms of support that we receive from the district. This has made nationals uniquely expensive for students to attend this year to the point that the cost may act as a barrier to some.

This is extremely frustrating, as the coaches at East believe in equity and the importance of cost never being a factor for any students. Nationals is an important and prestigious experience for students. Beyond the significance of being good enough to compete in the national championship, they have opportunities to meet with college recruiters and earn scholarships through competitive success.

Thus, we are doing something we have not ever done before: we're asking for your help in sending students to nationals. Every little bit will help with offsetting the enormous costs that come from attending the week-long competition including van rentals, hotel rooms, food, judge hires, and entry fees. We have set our goal low for now, but any help you can provide is less money that students will be on the hook for.