Competitive Speech and Debate is unique in that children have the opportunity to apply what they learn into their core classrooms.

A variety of research shows that Speech and Debate gives children the tools necessary to: write and speak persuasively, explore alternative viewpoints, reason analytically, evaluate facts, think critically and listen carefully.

These are invaluable skills that are cultivated and enhanced by competitive Speech and Debate.

The River Valley Speech and Debate exists to found, develop and expand Speech and Debate competitions in rural Arkansas with a focus on the River Valley.

2023/2024 Goals:

1. Add a program in each of the following counties: Yell County, Logan County, Pope County, Conway County, Perry County, Johnson County

2. Instruction Material: Distributing FREE educational materials to kickstart programs so that they can immediately begin competition.

3. Workshops: Schedule FREE hands-on training for both teachers and students

4. Competition: The River Valley League will have a single-monthly Competition at rotating locations beginning in September and culminating in late March with a River Valley Championship Tournament.

5. Spanish Speaking Division: We aim to kick start the first Spanish Speaking Division of Speech and Debate in the state of Arkansas

BIGELOW HIGH SCHOOL IS HOSTING THE SECOND TOURNAMENT OF THE SEASON! DOWNLOAD THE TOURNAMENT INVITE FOR MORE INFO!