Fall Open Debate 2024
We like to win.
Speech State Qualifiers 2024
Tournament's are fun.
Congress State Qualifiers 2024
You can go anywhere with a suit.
States 2024
Sometimes you've got to party.
States 2024
Taft represent!
Fall Open Debate 2024
Research is key.
At school
Captains.
Fall Congress 2024
Enjoy the victory.
Fall Congress 2024
Again, we like to win.
What is speech and debate?
Speech and Debate, an activity wherein high school students compete in a range of debate and speaking events, has granted students everywhere opportunities and a superior educational experience beyond the classroom. As championed by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), Speech and Debate provides young people a forum to collaborate with others, think analytically on broader issues that face the world, and develop critical thinking and communication skills. These developments, fostered uniquely through Speech and Debate, are unparalleled mechanisms that promote civic engagement in young people and prepare them to lead as public servants who care about their communities and the world around them.
Why Taft's team?
Last year alone, our team collectively placed first in our league! But we did not stop there. We sent some of the most competitors to states in all of California. When we arrived at states, many of us even made it to the semi-finals (rare for a public school). We have a mid-sized team (usually around 40 competitors), a perfect balance. Our team competes in the Tri-county Forensics League, which serves most of the Los Angeles area.
Where do our alumni go?
In 2024, our team had a 50% acceptance rate to UCLA and Cal, with many of our seniors being accepted to Ivy League and T10 schools. All of our alumni come back to say how Taft S&D prepared them to accel at the best schools in the world! Our 2022 captain was even accepted to Harvard and went to USC on a full-ride scholarship.
Ready to join?
We meet every morning zero-period (7:30-8:20) in room M266. If you're interested in joining our team, please email our coach, Mr. Colin Sweeney, at colin.sweeney@lausd.net.