Eagle Ridge Elementary’s girls debate team. {courtesy}
Eagle Ridge Elementary School’s Speech and Debate team is celebrating after earning 12 medals at its most recent competition.
Made up of fourth and fifth-grade students, the team competed across a variety of categories. Led by fifth-grade teacher and Debate Coach Jessica Schroeder, the club has focused not only on winning medals but on developing poise, teamwork, and self-belief among its young speakers.
“There are 24 students in the Speech and Debate Club, and the students consist of both fourth and fifth graders,” Schroeder tells Coral Springs Talk, adding, “The students take part in the following categories: Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Declamation, and Original Oratory.”
Schroeder shares that the team meets every other Wednesday after school for one hour, where students rehearse their speeches, practice timing, and receive constructive criticism from both their coach and peers. She also said maintaining a supportive and positive environment is central to their success.
According to Schroeder, the students’ growth extends far beyond competition results.
Eagle Ridge Elementary’s boys debate team. {courtesy}
“I believe their success comes from their confidence, dedication, and strong support for one another. These students work hard to strengthen their speaking skills, think critically, and encourage their teammates every step of the way,” she said. “As they head into the next competition, their goal is not only to earn more medals, but to continue growing as courageous speakers, respectful competitors, and proud representatives of their school.”
For many students, the experience has been transformative.
“Speech and Debate make us feel more confident, brave, and happy. It makes us feel that even kids can have big voices,” said fourth-grade Duo Interpretation partners Joseph Gonzalez and Parker Choquette.
Fifth graders Emma Duquette and Presley Geller, who compete in Dramatic Interpretation, said the club has helped prepare them for the future.
“Speech and debate have helped us become more confident in ourselves and in using our voice, and we are excited to keep growing and challenging ourselves when we head off to middle school next year,” they jointly shared in comments to Coral Springs Talk.
Schroeder believes the lessons learned through Speech and Debate will serve students long after they leave elementary school.
“Watching students grow through public speaking is witnessing them find their voice, discover their confidence, and realize that their thoughts truly matter,” she said. “Speech & Debate doesn’t just teach students how to speak, it teaches them how to believe in themselves, listen with respect, and stand boldly in who they are becoming.”
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