Letters in Support of Speech and Debate
Sometimes you can’t make the case for speech and debate all by yourself.
That’s why we’ve collected letters written by prominent educators, coaches, and advocates of the activity that may help you as you champion this powerful and transformative activity.
Bethany Bohall
Bethany Bohall, Wanda Wiley Atkinson Director of Fine Arts at Saint Mary’s Hall in Texas.
Published in the September/October 2020 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Elizabeth Bornia
Elizabeth Bornia, Founder of Communication Arts Academy in Florida and the 2015 Inaugural NSDA Middle School Coach of the Year.
Published in the February/March 2019 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Austin Brown
Austin Brown, principal from Madison Central High School in Mississippi and the 2017 NSDA High School Principal of the Year.
Published in the September/October 2017 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Carlos Castillo
Carlos Castillo, principal from Wawona Middle School and Bullard High School in California.
Published in the Summer 2016 issue of Rostrum magazine.
W. Donald Clayton
W. Donald Clayton, principal from Mountain Brook Junior High in Alabama and the 2017 NSDA Middle School Principal of the Year.
Published in the November/December 2017 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Alfred F. Dugan III
Alfred F. Dugan III, Head of School at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Jersey.
Published in the November/December 2021 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Jennifer Euker
Jennifer L. Euker, Principal at Buhach Colony High School in California.
Published in the April/May 2023 issue of Rostrum magazine.
James Melton
James Melton, NBCT & SHRM-CP, Associate Executive Director, Missouri State High School Activities Association. 2023 NSDA High School Administrator of the Year. Former Director of Fine Arts, Columbia Public Schools (2013 to 2023).
Published in the September/October 2023 issue of Rostrum Magazine.
Leonidas Patterson
Leonidas Patterson, Student Activities Director for the Dallas Independent School District in Texas.
Published in the September/October 2022 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Trey Smith
Trey Smith, Executive Director at East Mountain High School in New Mexico.
Published in the February/March 2023 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Holly Williams
Holly Williams, Associate Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools in Arizona.
Published in the February/March 2022 issue of Rostrum magazine.
Kenneth Zapata
Kenneth Zapata, Principal from Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School 75 in New York. 2022 NSDA Middle School Administrator of the Year.
Published in the November/December 2022 issue of Rostrum magazine.