Information from The National Speech & Debate Association

The Pittsburg High School Speech and Debate team has earned significant recognition from the National Speech and Debate Association. PHS has been named one of the top 100 schools for the 2023-2024 school year.

Pittsburg High School Speech and Debate ranked 25 out of more than 3,000 schools nationwide due to the number of students involved in the program and the degrees they have earned through competition, leadership, and service. The National Speech and Debate Association states “this is the most prestigious membership award the Association can bestow upon a school.” 

“I don't think I really understood how accomplished our team at PHS was until I became active on it,” Four-year Senior Debater, John Lee said. “Hearing our national rank and recognizing how high it was acted as a wake-up call to see how incredible the program is here.”

Students earn Honor Society points and degrees based on participation, which contribute to a school’s strength points.

“We've been ranked in the top 100 for the last few years, but being ranked 25th is a huge honor. This ranking is a national ranking so putting PHS on the map nationally is always very exciting,” Director of Speech and Debate, Julie Laflen said. “The students work so hard week after week, tournament after tournament to get better and these rankings just show how dedicated they are to the program and getting better each week. They have drive, determination, and a mindset that won't settle for anything except their best. I am so incredibly proud to be their coach and to watch their growth throughout the years is very rewarding.”

Being in the top 100 exemplifies the outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills like; communication, research, listening, writing, and organizing.

“Whether it's the coaching from Mrs. Laflen, the support of our administrators, or the dedication of all debaters, our success is multifaceted. That spills over to the students too,” Lee said. “I've learned how to be an effective communicator as well as a proficient networker through my exposure to policy debate. Because of the growth debate and its community have brought me, I will continue to carry our rank and the lessons it's taught me even after high school.”

When Laflen began coaching Speech and Debate at PHS in 2009 she had a team of 12 students. The program now averages 50-60 debaters each season.

“The program continues to be successful because of the students and the leadership they provide to our younger students - I am honored to coach them.” Laflen said.

 

PHS Speech and Debate will be hosting the Southeast Kansas Debate Jamboree on September 21, 2024. This event is a collaborative effort between all area schools to give novices hand-on experience before their first tournament.

On October 5, 2024 the PHS Speech and Debate team will host their Debate Invitational at PHS. The program invites community members to judge during this event. If you are interested in judging, please contact Coach Laflen at julielaflen@usd250.org.

 

Pictured above are 4-year debaters and 4-year partners. From left to right: Seniors Isys Galindo, John Lee, Coach Julie Laflen (middle), Seniors Josh Hamilton, and Brock Gambill.