Do you feel your heart skip a beat when you hear your teacher call on your name to present in front of the class? Are you the kind of person who wants to be the last person to present a project because your deathly afraid to go in front of an audience and risk others judging you? Well we have a resolution for you that is not only engaging but it makes you involved with your school. Join our Speech and Debate team! 

About the Team

Pentucket’s speech and debate team started in the fall of 2022 when Isabella Parra, now a junior at Pentucket, moved from Florida to Massachusetts. What began as a small group of kids hoping to develop a little program has now blossomed into a unique team. Currently, Isabella Parra is the club’s president, with vice president (me) Sophie Marcus and treasurer Sophia Nickerson. 

Along with the executive board, we would not be where we are today without our advisor, Mr. John Siegfried.

Whether you are outgoing or introverted, this team is extremely beneficial and welcoming to all, and we guarantee there will be a category that piques your interest.

While we are a close-knit team, we still understand that others have commitments to other activities such as sports, other clubs, or a job. So, one may ask…

Is it a Big Commitment?

The answer to this question is yes and no. While we understand that other people have busy schedules, we still expect you to attend our weekly Wednesday after-school meetings. Our team communicates very well, and we update one another on our Google Classroom.

One main point that we like to clarify to newcomers is that trying never hurts. If you go to a tournament or even a meeting and realize it is not the right fit for you, that is perfectly fine! This team is full of people who share the same passion: to deliver a speech on a topic that is important to you or something new to you.

When speaking with Pentucket Junior Clara Cavallini, she expresses how while “I could only participate for one semester, I know I could join the club again. Everyone at speech and debate creates such a kind and accepting environment.” Cavallini’s insight highlights our team’s very safe and friendly environment.

The Opportunities Our Club Provides 

High school marks a new time in one’s life where one should branch out and take advantage of all the clubs available to them. Our team is going to prepare you for your future because having good social skills is an essential part of every job and something that employers look for. 

Pentucket Junior Jacob Rivers did not hesitate to add that, “If you are going into business, law, anything that involves public speaking, or something analytical, then this club is definitely for you.”

Speaking from personal experience, my presentation skills have improved immensely because I have grown to memorize projects instead of reading off a piece of paper while presenting. Not only do I feel less stressed when presenting, but my audience is much more engaged.

When speaking with Pentucket Sophomore Dhruv Patel, who participated in public forum debate for the first time this year, he exclaims how this team has “…allowed me to be able to think on the spot. I have gained more confidence with speaking, considering it is in front of people I have never met.”

Cavalini adds to Patel’s perspective by saying, “Speech and debate requires some preparations depending on your category and writing these speeches really helped me write some for school.”

There Is a Category For Everyone

If you are interested in learning about the categories and more club information then come to our team’s first informational meeting on September 11, 2024, which will be held afterschool in Mr. Siegfried’s room.