Coming from a national championship, the Marist speech and debate team began their 2024-2025 season with a brilliant start. Taking on many tournaments nationwide to prepare for the upcoming state tournaments, the team has never looked better!

Marist remains the largest speech and debate program in Georgia while also being ranked among the top 25 programs nationally. The team ranges in the different events available for students, such as Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, Extemporaneous Speech, Original Oratory, Interpretation events, and so much more, providing students to explore the different aspects of speech and debate.

The team so far has won difficult and prestigious awards across all different events. Notably, the speech students have had a great year with top speakers Ephrata Tesfaye and Faiza Khaled. Tesfaye is nationally ranked against top competitors in the country for Original Oratories. She recently won the Fall Championship of the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions.

Teacher and Coach Jeffrey Miller commented on how the team is looking for the upcoming state and national tournaments. “We are excited for the upcoming state tournaments in January and February, where we have a strong group of students competing across a variety of events. Our focus remains on ensuring students learn, grow, and have fun while representing Marist to the best of their abilities,” Miller said.

The Junior Varsity and Novice State Tournament will be held at Marist on January 17 and 18. The varsity tournament will then be held on February 7 and 8. Students who advance in their respective events will move on to the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

The speech and debate program undoubtedly remains one of the most well-rounded and awarded programs at our school. Students from any grade can find a place in the program, which could even lead to a national title.

The best of luck to the speech and debate program.