DID YOU KNOW?
More than 200 students participate in DEFT each semester
School funding covers only 5% of DEFT's budgetary needs
Funds are needed for tournament entry fees, NSDA membership, transportation to local tournaments, judges, and more
Outside funding is essential to ensure maximum inclusivity, an ongoing first class program, and long-term viability
“It wasn't until we joined a Competitive Speech & Debate class that we realized our dreams could be even bigger and our voices mattered. According to NSDA, only 6% of its students are Black. Being a part of that 6% has allowed us to pioneer new possibilities and break the social stereotypes placed upon me. Speech and Debate has given us a space in which to follow a passion that is deeply rooted in my heart and way of life. Talking! Being able to have a voice and use it to better our community is something that we hold dear as a student and more importantly as Black males. We believe that there is no better place in school to speak up about what you believe in than Speech & Debate. Showing the world what you are passionate about is a key aspect of my Speech & Debate community.”
Elias and Elijah Goss (Class of '24)
DEFT Team Captains, Co-Presidents of Young Educated Black Men of East, Football Captains, DECA members, Metro DEEP interns, Rites of Passage Program Leaders
“Speech and Debate is one of our favorite parts of being at East High School. The community it provides and the skills that we learn are invaluable to ensuring our success as high school students and beyond. My sister and I are the presidents of East Students Demand Action which is a club to end gun violence. We have organized voter registration drives, testifying opportunities in front of state legislators, the biggest walkout in the school's history, and an unprecedented School Safety summit which was attended by prominent leaders in the larger community. We could not have done any of this without the communication skills and confidence we have gained from the Speech and Debate team. Speech has taught us to speak up for what we believe without fear. The ability to communicate in a clear, assertive, and respectful manner is not something we were just born with. Speech has taught us to pursue clarity and excellence in our thoughts and our communication. Speech and debate gives people the opportunities and the ability to fight for change. Elizabeth Warren, Oprah Winfrey, Idina Menzel, Stephen Colbert, and Ketanji Brown Jackson all did Speech and Debate. It is so much bigger than just a class.”
Clara and Gracie Taub (Class of '25)
DEFT Team Members, SDA co-presidents, and proud East Angels
