The Speech and Debate Teams of Chapel Hill High and New Manchester High have earned some well-deserved accolades.
In an outstanding first year, Chapel Hill High School’s Speech and Debate Team garnered recognition at the state and national levels.
Coach Kenya Taylor was honored as the 2024 New Coach of the Year for the Georgia Southern Peach District of the National Speech and Debate Association.
Additionally, two members of Chapel Hill’s team qualified to compete at the National Speech and Debate Tournament: Lindsey Mercer (Congressional Debate-House) and Claire Craton (Original Oratory).
"Chapel Hill High School's Speech and Debate program has become a shining example of success, equipping students with critical thinking, persuasive communication, teamwork, and confidence in public speaking,” Taylor said. “In our technologically advanced world, where young people are inundated with information from social media and the internet, our Speech and Debate program teaches them essential skills in researching and identifying credible sources, critically evaluating information, and using it to combat misinformation while exploring policy and public issues that could impact their future. These are skills that will serve students well beyond the classroom."
Mercer and Craton’s qualification for the National Tournament places them among the top 1% of students in the nation, highlighting the highest level of achievement in speech and debate competition.
"I feel honored to be a national qualifier for Original Oratory,” Craton said. “It is very rewarding to have your hard work and efforts recognized on the national level. It is also satisfying to have a topic you are so invested in be recognized and respected by others. I definitely wouldn't be here without my team and coach. They've offered enormous amounts of support, helping me gain confidence in myself and my speeches. Through the speech and debate platform, I feel I can help change the world with one speech at a time."
New Manchester’s Debate Team was recently recognized by the Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL).
New Manchester Debate Coach Serena Robertson was chosen as the AUDL Coach of the Year. And NMHS was highlighted in AUDL's 2024-2025 Annual Membership Guide and recognized as an Outstanding Member Club.
New Manchester also hosted a statewide AUDL debate competition earlier this year.