The Bowie Speech and Debate program has been busy preparing for and attending tournaments during the 2021-2022 school year. During the tournament on December 11, many students placed highly in sections such as humorous and dramatic interpretation.

Senior Erin Everette has had a positive experience participating in this program for the past three years after being recruited by the former Speech captain.

“My favorite part of being involved with this program is the voice I have. Speech and Debate really empowers you to share this voice among other students your age who share a similar passion,” Everette said. “Also, you get to understand and learn more about people’s cultures, beliefs, and just get to know the people in our community.”

Having to memorize a long piece of writing requires a lot of dedication and preparation. Everette usually practices multiple times throughout the week in order to perform to the best of her abilities during the tournament day.

“Preparation for a competition usually takes a bit for me,” Everette said. “When working on my pieces, I usually allow one to two hours each night to rehearse my piece and tweak it.”

Joshua Nielson just started competing with the Speech and Debate team this year and explains how a long tournament day usually goes.”

“Tournament days usually start at six to six-thirty. I have to get dressed in a suit and drive to the competition which normally begins at eight,” Nielson said. “Throughout the day I am in and out of rounds spending time with my teammates and competing until 9 p.m.”

During tournaments, students compete in various categories in an attempt to earn an award for their performance. Everette feels that although winning feels great, it isn’t always the most important thing to focus on.

“It feels amazing and so validating to win an award,” Everette said. “It’s really amazing, but I would strongly say that winning isn’t everything. However, it really is nice.”

Everette also feels like performing in front of people almost every weekend has benefits and helps with public speaking skills in other aspects of life.

“Speech and Debate have honed my communication skills,” Everette said. “One of the biggest impacts is that I’m not afraid to stand in front of a group of people and present something, or talk about something because I am constantly performing by myself.”

When asked about what he would say to someone considering whether or not to join Speech and Debate, Nielson believes that it’s a great experience that students should try if they want to.

 “I would say do it,” Nielson said. “It’s a fantastic experience that can be whatever you want it to be as long as you put in the work.”