Recently at BC's Lincoln Place campus, students and families gathered for Speech and Debate Night, the one time the entire team comes together to celebrate a full season of competition, growth, and hard-earned achievement.

And this year, there was plenty to celebrate.

The BC Speech and Debate program spans six classes across all four Upper School grade levels, with additional students competing through independent study courses led by their coach. It is a community built on preparation, precision, and the courage to stand up and speak, and this year, that community delivered one of its strongest seasons yet.

The standout story of the year belongs to Tobias L. '28, a sophomore who finished as State Runner-Up in Original Oratory at the New York State Forensic League Championship in April, and then went a step further by qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Association's National Championship Tournament in June. For a tenth grader, those are extraordinary accomplishments by any measure.

Tobias wasn't alone at the top. Nine BC students qualified for and competed at the State Championships: Elliot M. '29, North R.V. '29, August A. '28, Ellie B. '28, Sydney B. '28, Fiona K. '28, Mia S. '28, Jaylen H.P. '26, and Tobias. August reached the quarterfinals in Original Oratory, Sydney did the same in Declamation, and Mia advanced all the way to the semifinals in Congressional Debate.

I think I am most proud of how our very young team — mostly 9th and 10th graders — stepped up and performed at a level beyond their years, especially after we graduated so many powerhouse seniors last year.

WK Kay

Middle School and Upper School Speech and Debate Teacher

The future of the program looks just as bright. Enrollment in the Advanced Debate class has hit a record high, and the top three most-requested courses in BC's Upper School Performing Arts Program are all Speech and Debate classes. This young core, as Kay puts it, is only going to grow up from here.

Congratulations to the entire BC Speech and Debate team on an outstanding season, and to Tobias, best of luck at Nationals in June. We'll be cheering you on.

View the Speech and Debate Night Photo Gallery