Scholars of Speech: supporting collaboration, education, and innovation.

Speech and debate programs change lives by empowering students, building their confidence, and developing vital communication skills. For many students, these programs are inaccessible. Scholars of Speech is here to change that.

This tournament is named in honor of John Lewellen, our organization's founder. John passed away in November of 2023 at the age of 48. He was fascinated by IPDA and wished to one day compete in its professional division. We're creating this tournament to celebrate his life and legacy. Please read more about John here: https://www.modernbrain.com/our-founders

Scholars of Speech is a project of ModernBrain, an approved provider of the President's Volunteer Service Award. Participating as a judge or tournament administrative assistant can count towards PVSA hours.

THE LOCATION: NSDA Campus

The tournament will offer competition in the IPDA format for two age categories. First, participants in the junior category must have not yet graduated high school. Second, participants in the open category can be in any age group.

Parents/community judges can judge any division, as can anybody in seventh grade and older. The goal of this organization is to help any debater adapt to persuade any type of judge, including those younger than them.

Additional awards for collegiality will be announced digitally based on the American Mock Trial Association’s Spirit of AMTA system.

Outstanding Judge awards will be announced digitally after students have had a chance to review their ballots.

Pacific Time Schedule (Saturday, June 29, 2024):

9 AM - Round 1 (topics announced at 8:30 AM)

10:15 AM - Round 2 (topics announced at 9:45 AM)

11:30 AM - Round 3 (topics announced at 11 AM)

Lunch break!

1:30 PM - Round 4 (topics announced at 1 PM)

2:45 PM - Round 5 (topics announced at 2:15 PM)

4 PM - Round 6 (topics announced at 3:30 PM)

Pacific Time Schedule (Sunday, June 30, 2024):

9 AM - Octofinals (topics announced at 8:30 AM)

10:15 AM - Quarterfinals (topics announced at 9:45 AM)

11:30 AM - Semifinals (topics announced at 11 AM)

Awards ceremony!

ASAP - Finals (topics announced ASAP)

FEES:

FEES: No entry fees--only fees for MISSING JUDGES. The fees are structured so that you are strongly incentivized to provide judges to cover your entry and therefore learn from the activity. Speech and debate programs change lives by empowering students, building their confidence, and developing vital communication skills. For many students, these programs are inaccessible. Scholars of Speech is here to change that.