Support Sarasota High Speech and Debate Team!

Send Sarasota High's Speech & Debate Champs to Greatness!

The Sarasota High School Speech & Debate Team may be small, but our students' voices deserve to be heard. And that is what we are advocating for. This year our team accumulated awards at EVERY. SINGLE. COMPETITION. On top of that multiple members of our team have qualified for the prestigious National Speech and Debate Association's National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa this year—an incredible achievement that represents countless of hours of preparation, courage, and determination.

But here's our challenge: Despite our students' remarkable accomplishments, they face an obstacle bigger than any debate opponent—lack of funding.

Why we need YOUR help:

Speech and debate is expensive, and as our goal to make speech and debate as inclusive, and as open as an opportunity to everyone we need support to close out our 2025 season, and help us prepare for what 2026 has in store.

The stark reality is that without your help, most of our qualified students simply cannot afford to attend Nationals, let alone local competitions despite earning their place through hard work and talent.

This year, we faced the heartbreaking situation where several of our qualifying students had to decline their national spots because the financial burden was too great for their families. We refuse to let that happen again.

For many of our team members, speech and debate represents a path to opportunities they never thought possible. Many have discovered their voices, their confidence, and their future career aspirations through this program.

Meet Our Incredible Team:

Devin E.- Congressional Debate

Calliope K.-Congressional Debate

Drew L.-Congressional Debate

Andrew S.- Extemporaneous Speaking

Joanna K.-Extemporaneous Speaking

Ella M.- Original Oratory

Ella C- Original Oratory

Laurel- Oral Interpertation

Sienna- Dramatic Performance

Callie S.- Oral Interpertation

Alyssia L.- Extemporaneous Speaking

Each student brings unique talents, perspectives, and stories. Some are first-generation Americans finding their voice in a new country. Others have overcome personal challenges through the power of speech. All share an extraordinary passion for intellectual growth and excellence.

The Future Is Bright—With Your Help

The students who have qualified for Nationals aren't just talented speakers and debaters—they're future lawyers, politicians, business leaders, teachers, and changemakers. The skills they're developing now will serve them throughout their lives and careers, not just in the future. BUT RIGHT NOW!

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Whether you can give $5 or $500, your contribution directly impacts these students' futures. With a total goal of $1,000 to end the school year we need community champions like you to help our champions shine on the national stage.

Join Our Team

By donating to the Sarasota High School Speech & Debate National Fund, you become an honorary member of our team. We promise to make you proud in Des Moines and bring back not just trophies, but stories, growth, and experiences that will shape these students' futures.

Help us ensure that financial limitations never silence these powerful young voices. Your generosity today creates tomorrow's leaders.

Thank you for believing in the power of youth, words, and opportunity.

With profound gratitude,

-The Sarasota High School Speech & Debate Team