Overview of the Cary Academy Speech and Debate Program
The Cary Academy Speech and Debate Team participates actively in competitive debate, competitive speech, and competitive acting. Each of these categories has a variety of different formats in which students can choose to participate. Some of these formats require students to compete independently, in others students compete with a partner. Competition takes place at tournaments hosted by other high schools, as well as colleges and universities. Tournaments take place from the fall through the spring, and most take place on Saturdays, though some also take place in part on Friday afternoon or Sunday. Classes are held where students are given the opportunity to prepare for their respective events. Certain events will also have practice sessions that meet regularly after school as well. Students in the class are required to attend a minimum number of tournaments as part of the course expectations. The number varies depending on the experience level of the student. The team attends local, regional, and national level tournaments throughout the year as well as certain post-season championships in the event that students qualify to participate in them. There are fees for students who choose to attend regional and national level tournaments that require lodging and commercial transportation. In addition, there is a judging requirement that parents of students who participate must either meet, or pay a fee. For more information about the various events, as well as team rules and procedures, consult the links in the menu bar under Parent Information.