Speech And Debate Statement.

Every passing hour since finding out there is a high chance of the speech and debate program no longer existing at Foster, I get more angry, confused, and most of all heartbroken. Part of me wishes that we could get Mr.Cobb back, but I know that contracts have been signed and there is no going back. I still can't wrap my head around the choice to cut a program that holds so many awards and has been recognized by the board. It's surreal how in the span of 5 months I go from attending a board meeting to celebrate the achievement of our speech team and thinking about nationals, to wondering if we will have a sponsor for the club next year, and if this will be my first and last time ever competing at the National Speech and Debate Association tournament. Even just today, April 24, 2026, we just had 2 members qualify for state in prose, and it's extremely disheartening to even consider the fact that they very well could be the last from foster to attend UIL state for speech.

But speech is more than just the scores on the page. It has caused me to grow so much, not only as a performer and speaker, but as a person. Before speech and debate, you would never see me approach anyone I don't know and strike up a conversation. Now I go up and talk to people I don't know, and I'm not afraid to speak to others at all. Imagine that I never got to experience anything in speech and debate, not winning first, not getting last, not becoming top 16 in the state, not making new friends, not learning the articulation, and not learning how to take criticism and apply it to what I do to improve. I would not nearly be as good or as smart of a person that I am now. I understand now how to write speeches, build stories, talk to people, and arguably the most important lesson, learning how to be humble in your wins and how to accept loss as a part of the journey.

And what is the plan for those who take the class? Debate is such a complex subject, and you need knowledge from inside the tournaments to understand how everything is structured. There is only so much you can research about the speech and debate events and experience. The only way to truly learn about it is to go out and actually compete. But Mr.Cobb didn't just teach debate, he taught professionalism, manners, patience, and grit. And for a district that is pushing for all things, it's ironic how they cut the one program left that teaches this so effectively. So many kids at our school would be shocked to hear how tightly the program is run. And while usually programs run with such strict rules are disliked, it is so rewarding getting recognized for doing something as simple as saying yes ma'am and sir, dressing in appropriate attire, and keeping your opinions to yourself. It's unreal seeing other schools sometimes and thinking how Mr.Cobb would never let us do something as simple as wear sneakers at a tournament, and I'm so thankful that he does.

Let's not forget how the people I love most I got close to through speech and debate. You spend countless hours watching others perform, giving notes, performing, and waiting for scores all with the same people. Truly, there is no way to get closer to someone than to sit there in a cafeteria in business casual while the tables around you cheer for scores you can't even see, and you just sit there anxiously waiting for the moment your results get released. Doing duo with your best friend and getting to spend so much time creating this new world to live in for 10 minutes is the most amazing feeling, and without speech and debate, I never would've been able to experience such a wonderful feeling.

As someone outside of my circumstances, why should it matter to you? Well, the constant erasure of arts and free speech has gone undeniably too far. The state began with little pushes of book bans before Senate Bill 12 was passed. This bill restricts K-12 schools from talking about and teaching DEI. Not only does this restrict what teachers can teach students, but it also restricts what we are allowed to advocate for in speech and debate. This is exactly what our First Amendment is for. Now, not only can we not advocate for these things, but our team won't be able to speak up for anyone who needs it. This won't only affect our school's ability to speak up. We are simply one domino in a line waiting to fall.

So, in the words of NSDA alumnus Oprah Winfrey, "What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” Speak up for what you believe in.

Speak for everything you believe in.