By: Ivan Habib

Website Manager

Speech and Debate is one of Los Gatos High School’s oldest clubs, training students for many competitions and tournaments, as well as creating an inclusive and positive environment for competitors, hobbyists, and novices alike to thrive.

This year, the Speech and Debate club persevered through many struggles and changes. Most recently and importantly,the club had to find a new club advisor to accommodate their increased size of over 100 members. Club leadership tirelessly searched for an advisor who was both willing and able to host the 100 members that Speech and Debate usually garners for club meetings. After weeks of outreach and careful coordination, Liz Olson, LGHS librarian, agreed to support the large club, ensuring smooth operation for the coming school year. Olson stated, “Working with the officers has been really good. It’s going to be a great club this year.” 

Additionally, the club faced another major challenge: financial concerns. Despite resolving their debt issues, the club still has to sponsor various expenses such as tournament, travel, and registration costs, forcing officers to think creatively about alternative methods for raising money, while still providing critical resources to ensure its members’ successes. Senior and Speech and Debate President Connor Krawez explained his mission: “To set up a plan where that can be achieved, more sustainable, and that would make it so [Speech and Debate] is sustainable.” He is determined to keep growing the club and not let it fall back into debt.

The club has many experienced and willing mentors, including debate captains, senior Maxwell Tan and junior Grace Krasniewicz, who are happy to help more novice competitors learn and thrive in competitions and in life more generally. Krawez emphasized, “Los Gatos has the same capability to have a good speech and debate team like Bellarmine and like Mitty. We just need a little bit of help.” This year, Krawez and club leadership are turning their attention to hiring an external coach who can dedicate time and energy to helping the club thrive.

Speech and Debate’s resilience this year has not only kept the program alive but has strengthened its platform of students learning to speak professionally, to lead, and to persevere. Krawez explained the benefits of joining Speech and Debate: “Speech and debate, there’s numbers definitely to back up, is very beneficial, but not only for college admissions, but just for also when you go to get a career. I think being able to have good public speaking skills is very important in life.” Club treasurer, avid debater, and LGHS senior Henry Fan added, “Everyone should try out speech and debate at least once. It changed my life” Through financial challenges, leadership changes, and logistical hurdles, Speech and Debate has emerged as a stronger, more united club ready to have an amazing year.