Oxford High School Speech and Debate Team Hosts Inaugural Tournament

Oxford, Mississippi—Oxford High School (OHS) will play host to the school’s first-ever speech and debate tournament when 15 high school teams with over 300 students from across Mississippi and the southeast roll into town for a weekend of speech and debate competition.

Hosted by the OHS Speech and Debate Team, the Charger Challenge Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament will be held Friday, September 18, and conclude Saturday, September 19, at Oxford High School, 101 Charger Loop.

“Our high school speech and debate team members have been instrumental in the planning of this tournament, which we are excited about hosting at our school,” said Dr. Barbara Lowe, OHS Speech and Debate Team Coach. “As members of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, the members of the OHS Speech and Debate Team look forward to returning the hospitality we have enjoyed at other tournaments over the past 10 years.”

High school speech and debate teams will compete in the following areas: Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and Policy Debate, as well as Original Oratory; Declamation; Expository Speaking; Prose and Poetry Interpretation; Dramatic Interpretation; Extemporaneous Speaking; Duo Interpretation; Humorous Interpretation; Impromptu Speaking; Storytelling; and Duet Acting.

Competition judges are volunteers, who are tasked with judging high school student debates about contemporary issues, as well as judge performance events. Judges will provide honest feedback to students about their tournament performance.

Tournament judges are still needed for the school event. If interested in volunteering as a tournament judge, contact Dr. Lowe email at blowe@oxfordsd.org before Thursday, September 17.

Visit www.oxfordsd.org/OHSDebate for more information on the OHS Speech and Debate Team.