The John I. Smith K-8 Center Speech & Debate Team is an award- winning team of middle school students who display their talents in the areas of public speaking, writing skills and communication. The Speech & Debate Team works throughout the academic year building a sense of team work and community within the group.
Students in the Speech and Debate Team will participate in several competitions throughout the academic school year. Currently, there are three main competitions that students will be a part of if selected. The Big Question Debate, a nationally recognized grant program and debate competition. The JIS speech & debate all year competition and the Theordore Gibson Oratorical Competition presented by Miami Dade College in collaboration with Dade County Public Schools. These wonderful opportunities will allow students to display their talents.
In order for students to be a part of the Speech and Debate Team, they must audition in front of a panel of current team members. If selected, students are immediately entered into the Speech & Debate Team. Auditions are held twice a year, once and the start of the academic school year and once at the end of the academic school year for the following year.
If you have any questions please contact the Speech & Debate Coach and Teacher, Mr. T: mrtabsch@dadeschools.net.