'Essential,' 'enthralling,' 'life-changing': Minnesota Speech and Debate stories, fun facts as NSDA celebrates 100 years

The National Speech & Debate Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 with an ongoing belief that “a speech and debate program in every school creates a better civil society.” 

The Minnesota State High School League, with its own proud speech and debate history, agrees. 

The Debate State Tournament is the League’s longest-running event, first held in 1902. Lincoln-Douglas was added as an invitational event in 1986, then incorporated into the Debate State Tournament with the original Policy competition for the 1990-1991 school year. The Public Forum category was introduced in 2013 and Congressional in 2018.

In 1969, the Speech State Tournament expanded to a preliminary round and a final round in which the top finishers in each division were awarded medals. The League began crowning team champions in 2016. The 2025 edition is set for April 25-26 at Shakopee High School.

By the numbers: MSHSL Speech and Debate

450 — Most Speech State Tournament medals won all-time by individuals from one school, Apple Valley in Class AA. Apple Valley also has the most gold medals all-time (95) and the most gold medals won in a single year (6) in 1994. 

428 — Students from 428 Member Schools have won medals at the State Speech Tournament. 

247 — Most Speech medals won all-time by individuals from one Class A school, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley. 

20 — Speech medals won by Eagan in 2007, the most for a single school in one year. 

16 — Speech medals won by Mounds Park Academy in 2003, the most for a single Class A School in one year.

13 – Speech events in MSHSL competitions, including Creative Expression, Discussion, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous Reading, Extemporaneous Speaking, Great Speeches, Humorous Interpretation, Informative Speaking, Original Oratory, Serious Interpretation of Drama, Serious Interpretation of Poetry, Serious Interpretation of Prose and Storytelling.

11 — Policy Debate state champions from South Saint Paul, the most of any school. Karen Seeger and Sharon Schultz won three straight titles from 1954 to 1956. 

8 — Moorhead has won every Class AA Speech State Tournament since team trophies have been awarded.

6 — Public Forum Debate champions from Blake, the most of any school. That includes the 2025 champions, Eva Redmond and Zellie Olson.

4 — Debate events in MSHSL competitions, including Congressional, Lincoln-Douglas, Policy and Public Forum.

4 — Fairmont’s Sarah Bankson is the only four-time Speech gold medalist, winning Class A Informative Speaking titles in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

3 — Cannon Falls (2016, 2017, 2018) and Mounds Park Academy (2021, 2023, 2024) are tied for the most Class A Speech team championships.

Minnesota voices: Why Speech and Debate matter

As part of its celebration, the National Speech & Debate Association is collecting stories about how these activities have shaped alumni.  

Here are select stories from Minnesotans:

"The experience of being on the Debate Team during my high school years has contributed more to my speaking with others as well as understanding others when they speak. Being cognizant of techniques used in argumentation allows for a far more critical analysis of the day-to-day rhetoric as well as speeches made by those in authoritative positions. For a person to be adequately and, in my opinion, appropriately prepared to face life in modern times, it is essential they have experience in Debate and Speech.” — Donald, Redwood Falls Class of 1975.

“Speech and Debate prepared me well not just for my undergraduate education, but also law school and my career as a lawyer. I was reserved when I was young, and Debate in particular taught me how to think on my feet and have confidence in verbal advocacy. The opportunity to participate in competitive public speaking was invaluable, and I hope that all high school students have similar opportunities.” — Lindsay, Eagan Class of 1997. 

“I use the skills I learned in Speech every single day! Whether it is giving speeches on behalf of candidates at political events, at work in meetings or presentations, or being a parliamentarian for conventions and business conferences, I know how to speak clearly to get my point across. I never could have imagined one activity after school and on the weekends could have had this much of an impact on the rest of my life.” — Kay, Eden Prairie Class of 2022 

“As a current coach and former speaker, I can tell you that every student should experience these activities, and every school and district should fund them. Speech and Debate explore new ideas and expose students to different perspectives while teaching the skills to share your own experiences, ideas, and perspectives.” — Ryan, Centennial Class of 2011. 

“I started Speech in seventh grade and stayed all the way through high school. I tried almost every category until I found what I excelled at in 10th grade which was Original Oratory. While my older brothers excelled at Hockey, Speech was my ‘sport.’ My whole high school career revolved around Speech. I was not gifted academically so there were times where I was below the grades to compete in meets; it broke me every time. My senior year I got my head in the game and made it all the way to state. There will always be a huge place in my heart for my high school speech teams and coaches. I’m forever grateful and it changed my life." — Katie, East Grand Forks Class of 2018. 

“As an actor, Speech and Debate were essential for making me comfortable in front of a crowd. Further, the rigor and commitment of speech and debate set my work ethic for all future endeavors.” — Connor, Andover Class of 2019. 

“I joined Speech on what I proclaim was a terrible day for me. It became a shining beacon. A place where I could hear wonderful prose and speeches! And of course dress to the nines. I became so enthralled in the atmosphere of Speech, and I do miss it and will be sure to continue in college.” — Maiumuna, Rochester John Marshall Class of 2021. 

“Speech and Debate have fundamentally shaped who I am. I started Debate in Middle School where I learned to find my voice and express my thoughts. Through the past years, Speech and Debate have been my anchors while I navigated school transfers, the pandemic, and other difficult life experiences. NSDA also empowered me to help younger kids in forensic programs. I was able to judge and eventually coach a middle school team of debaters. I've made most of my friends and connections through NSDA, and I'm proud to say I've been a member.” — Olive, Kasson-Mantorville Class of 2023. 

“Speech has changed my life. I began as an insecure and chaotic sophomore, and now am confident and accomplished. Everyone will tell you how much colleges love Speech and Debate which is true, however it is so much more than a resume booster. You meet your best friends, make memories and find true passion. Push through because it is so worth it." — Madeline, Duluth Denfeld Class of 2023. 

“Speech has taught me that my words — my voice — matter. Throughout my Speech career, I was surrounded by people who inspire me daily to change the world one word at a time. I am a better listener, a better communicator, and an overall better person because of this activity. I have also been blessed enough to form beautiful connections that will hopefully last a lifetime. To sum it up, the person I was before joining this incredible activity would be in awe of the person I am now. As my coach (Rebecca Meyer-Larson) would say, ‘Love your words, Love your team.’” — Hameedah, Moorhead Class of 2023.