Sawgrass Springs Middle School Hosts Speech and Debate Tournament for 300 Elementary Students

by Sharon Aron Baron October 21, 2026

by Sharon Aron Baron October 21, 2026 2 minutes read

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Students from Park Trails Elementary School participate in the Speech and Debate Tournament hosted by Sawgrass Springs Middle School on Oct. 15, 2026. {Sawgrass Springs Middle School}

Sawgrass Springs Middle School welcomed approximately 300 students from 16 elementary schools across Broward County’s Northeast area for a Speech and Debate Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The event brought together young speakers and debaters to showcase their public speaking, critical thinking and communication skills while competing in various speech and debate categories.

Members of the Sawgrass Springs Middle School Speech and Debate Team greeted the visiting elementary school students and helped ensure the tournament ran smoothly.

Dressed in professional attire, participants demonstrated their preparation and confidence as they delivered speeches, presented arguments and put their debate skills to the test.

The tournament provided students with an opportunity to develop important academic and interpersonal skills, including organizing their thoughts, speaking confidently before an audience and responding to different viewpoints.

Linda Pierre, speech and debate instructor and coach at Sawgrass Springs Middle School, praised the students for their leadership and dedication.

“Hosting the Elementary Speech and Debate Tournament at Sawgrass Springs Middle School was a wonderful experience,” Pierre said. “Our SSMS Debate Team did an outstanding job helping the visiting students navigate to our school and making sure they felt welcomed and supported throughout the event.”

Pierre said she was particularly impressed by the students’ efforts to make the younger competitors feel comfortable.

“I am so proud of our students for demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and school spirit,” she said.

Among the participating schools was Park Trails Elementary School, whose students joined hundreds of others for the tournament.

In addition to showcasing their abilities, the event allowed elementary school students to experience a competitive speech and debate environment while connecting with peers from other schools.

Pierre said the school is already preparing to welcome students back for two additional competitions.

The next tournament is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2027, followed by the Speech and Debate Championship on April 20, 2027.

“We look forward to welcoming our elementary students back for another exciting opportunity to showcase their talents, build their confidence, and shine in Speech & Debate,” Pierre said.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.