Oak Ridge Speech and Debate Showcase - Fundraiser

1. Speech and Debate Students at Oak Ridge High School Participation in speech and debate enhances academic performance by strengthening reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing fluency, and analytical reasoning. Numerous studies show that students involved in forensics outperform their peers in core academic areas and standardized testing. Through regular practice in research, argumentation, and public speaking, students develop the discipline and intellectual stamina that drives scholastic excellence.

According to Mr. Hugh Corkery, speech and debate Oak Ridge Students did well

the past 2 years:

2024 Valedictorian – University of Pennsylvania

2024 One student: USC

2025 Co-Valedictorian –Princeton

2025 Co-Valedictorian – UCLA

2025 Other speech and debate students:

• Columbia            

• UC Berkeley

• USC

2026 - MIT, University of the Pacific

2. A Competitive Edge in College Admissions

In an era of record-low acceptance rates at elite institutions, applicants must distinguish themselves beyond grades and test scores. Speech and debate builds the intellectual depth, leadership experience, and critical thinking skills that admissions officers at top universities prioritize.  Debate trains students to analyze complex topics from multiple angles, communicate persuasively, and lead with confidence—qualities that signal readiness for rigorous academic environments.

Universities That Value Debate Experience

• Harvard University

Seeks students with “academic excellence and intellectual vitality,” both cultivated

through debate.  Source: Inspirit AI – What Harvard Looks for in Applicants

• Stanford University

Emphasizes intellectual discussion and exchange of ideas, central to the debate

experience.  “Engagement in intellectual discussions is a cornerstone of the Stanford

experience.”  Source: Stanford Admissions

• Georgetown University

Recognizes the value of public speaking and advocacy, noting that debate is frequently

cited in successful applications.  “A strong commitment to debate cannot hurt an applicant.”

Source: Georgetown University Debate Team

• University of Chicago

Known for its Socratic learning model, which rewards critical thinkers and articulate

communicators—skills debate students embody.  “Socratic learning involves lively discourse, debate, and critical thinking.”  Source: Crimson Education – How to Get Into UChicago

Conclusion: Speech and debate is more than an extracurricular activity; it is the preparation of  intellectual leadership and academic readiness.

The Oak Ridge Speech and Debate Booster was founded in 2025 as a 501(c)3 Non-Profit.  After observing the 2025 State Speech and Debate Finals, we discovered the most competitive schools spent large sums of money on trainers and/or summer camps devoted to Speech and Debate.  The results of their investments were acceptance letters to the top colleges.   Oak Ridge Speech and Debate Booster wants to help build onto one of the most competitive teams in the Sacramento region.  The cost of success can include hotel lodging, flights, gas, entree fees, food, training seminars or educational tools.  

Oak Ridge Speech and Debate Booster has Board Members position to participate in meetings and decision making.  But the greatest need of the Oak Ridge Speech and Debate team, is for parents to participate in judging at the Speech and Debate competitions.  The Booster hopes to fund or provide training and/or education on judging.  Real time consequence of not enough parent judges occurred this year. Unfortunately, the Oak Ridge Debate team could not participate in this years Sacramento National Catholic Forensics League Nationals Qualifier tournament due to a lack of parent judges, and no available judges to pay as replacements.  It was a missed opportunity to send some of our students to Washington DC, like last year.

The Oak Ridge Speech and Debate Booster primary missions are charitable and educational, specifically to support the Speech and Debate Program at Oak Ridge High School (the "Program") by providing financial, moral, and volunteer assistance to enhance students' participation in speech, debate, and related forensic activities. This includes, but is not limited to, funding for competition fees, travel, coaching, equipment, and scholarships for eligible students. All activities shall promote the educational goals of the Program and comply with the policies of the El Dorado Union High School District (the "District").