NEW YEAR, NEW LEAGUE!!!!!!!

Bigelow High School is proud to host the first River Valley Speech and Debate League tournament of 2023!!!!

BHS is one of the founding members of the River Valley Speech and Debate League and is coached by Becky Lawson. The League exists to found, develop and expand Speech and Debate competitions in rural Arkansas with an initial focus on the River Valley. Each tournament is free of charge and open to any schools in any of the following Arkansas Counties: Yell County, Logan County, Pope County, Conway County, Perry County, Johnson County.

The league provides: free after school team practice schedules, lesson plans for each event and one-on-one peer-coaching from seasoned and decorated Speech and Debate coaches. These events offer up a multitude of benefits for the students, schools and coaches. If you are interested in joining the league please email League Coordinator and Founder Eric Gamble at mrgambledhs@gmail.com

Even if you have not started a team it is possible to bring students to compete:

-in poetry if they have taken part in poetry Out Loud. (the event is a bit different but their preparation could easily have them ready)

-in Informative or Oratory if they are a member of FFA or FBLA and compete in the speaking events

-IPDA debate if they are smart, quick thinking and do well under pressure.

If you and your team are not sure about competing you are also Welcome to just come watch. If you are wanting to watch events but not compete be sure to contact Coach Lawson at rlawson@bigelow.k12.ar.us and let her know that you will be coming and how many students you will be bringing with you.

Returning League Members, remember that we are dividing the IPDA Division to allow for growth in all competitors. If your student has broken at a previous tournament they are listed on the document to the right and should be entered in the varsity division. This will not impact their eligibility to compete in the Novice Division at State but makes the league more fair and educational.