Sawgrass Springs Middle School hosted about 300 students from 16 elementary schools in Broward County’s Northeast area on Thursday, Oct. 15, for a speech and debate tournament.
Young competitors dressed in professional attire and delivered speeches, presented arguments and answered opposing viewpoints across several categories. Members of the middle school’s speech and debate team greeted visitors and helped keep the day running smoothly. Park Trails Elementary School was among the participating schools.
Linda Pierre, the middle school’s speech and debate instructor and coach, praised the students for their leadership and teamwork. She said the older students helped the visiting pupils find their way around campus and feel welcome.
The event gave the younger students practice organizing their thoughts, speaking in front of an audience and responding to different points of view, skills the school says carry into classwork and everyday life.
The school has two more competitions on the calendar. The next tournament is set for Feb. 23, 2027, followed by the Speech and Debate Championship on April 20, 2027.
