Last week, Thomas Jefferson High School hosted the Texas Middle School State Tournament for speech and debate.
Middle schools across the state traveled to Dallas to compete in events like Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, and Original Oratory.
Ten of the 33 schools that participated in the May 2-3 tournament are from the North Texas area, including the Episcopal School of Dallas, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, and Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
The Solar Preparatory School for Boys excelled in Policy Debate as they are 2025 State Champions, the top speaker in the event went to Sudie TAG Academy.
Rice Middle School in Plano also excelled in several categories, with students placing in the top six for Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, and Congressional Debate. Rice placed fifth overall in the tournament.
You can see a full list of winners in each category here.
The 2025 Middle School National Tournament will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 17-20.
It’s an open invitational tournament; all National Speech and Debate Association member middle schools can compete.
