Eagle Ridge Elementary School’s Speech and Debate Club opened its third year with several medals at its first competition of the school year. The club, made up of fourth- and fifth-grade students, competed Oct. 15 at Sawgrass Springs Middle School.
Students earned medals in categories including Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory.
Fifth-grade teacher Jessica Schroeder leads the club, which gives students a chance to practice public speaking, build confidence and sharpen their communication skills through competitive speech and debate.
Schroeder said the students’ personal growth matters as much as their results. She said the greatest reward as a coach is watching a child who once doubted themselves stand tall, speak boldly and realize their voice matters.
