Hi! My name is Catherine, and I’m an 11th grader currently on the Plano West Speech and Debate team. Although this is only my second year in the activity, the community that I have experienced through both team members and coaches has shaped me into a better speaker as well as a better person. Being a part of the Plano West Speech and Debate team has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and it has been such a great experience receiving that support from fellow teams in the Plano East and Senior Clusters. Our teams have been consistently acknowledged at local, state, and national levels, with students regularly making it to outrounds and earning team sweepstakes awards.

At the end of each season, students on the team dedicate a week of their summer to showcase their hard work and talent at the NSDA National Tournament. This tournament is one of the most prestigious competitions in speech and debate, gathering the best students from across the country to compete for a national championship. Each NSDA district, which consists of about 15 high schools, can send the top 3 competitors from each event to the national tournament. 

However, due to the limited number of slots, many debaters and speakers who have already had success at other state and national level tournaments are unfortunately unable to compete at the national tournament if they don’t place in the top 3, unless they earn a spot at the NSDA Last Chance Qualifier. The Last Chance Qualifier is a unique opportunity that gives students who either missed their district tournament or want one final shot at national recognition a chance to compete. Best of all, the tournament is entirely free, providing an accessible path for those who have not yet qualified with very minimal additional costs. 

I have personally never learned more than I have at the NSDA Nationals, and I want my teammates to have the same opportunity. Even if they didn’t make the top 3 in districts, these students should not be denied the chance to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level. Unfortunately, the Plano Independent School District has made the decision that these students will not be allowed to attend the tournament, which is why I am reaching out for help.

I am asking the speech and debate community to come together and support these students in this cause. The opportunity to attend NSDA Nationals is a dream for so many students in this program, and because our program as a district is so large, it hinders the ability of talented students to go with limited slots. I believe that every student deserves the chance to share their story and their voice in the world of speech and debate. 

Together, we can work to change the decision made by Plano Independent School District and give these talented students the opportunity to compete at the NSDA Last Chance Qualifier. Please join me in supporting this cause—because every student deserves their moment to share their story on the national stage, and no one should be limited by circumstances beyond their control.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Your support could make all the difference in helping these students achieve something they have dedicated their entire year to and continue their journey in speech and debate.