Lincoln Speech and Debate runs on parent power.
Driving, judging, snacks, and tournament support are not “extras”
— they are what allow our students to compete, grow, and succeed.
Every contribution matters, and we are grateful for each one.
Carpool Sign-Up Form:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Mpswv_ozHslQX8HrWcV0cclaxkG9r7GH3KnL8b0C-g4/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Tournaments happen many weekends throughout the year, and the team provides its own transportation. PPS rules do not allow students to drive other students, so parent drivers are essential.
Volunteering to drive means you are literally getting students to the tournament. Drivers usually meet students at school on the morning of the event, and the more students you can fit in your car, the bigger the impact you make. It is one of the most direct and helpful ways to support the team.
Judging Sign-Up:
Contact Coach Ben Harrison at bharrison@pps.net
or Parent Coordinator Eric Switzer at e.m.switzer@gmail.com
Judging is absolutely critical to our program. Without volunteer judges, tournaments cannot happen. When students sign up for tournaments, they are asked to indicate how a parent, guardian, or family friend will support that trip. For every three to four tournaments a student competes in, we expect an adult to volunteer as a judge and, when possible, as a driver. If special circumstances make it difficult to meet these responsibilities, please contact Head Coach Ben Harrison at bharrison@pps.net to discuss options.
Lincoln is required to bring a certain number of judges to every tournament. If we fall short, tournament organizers will begin dropping our students from competition. In other words, judging directly protects student entries and opportunities.
No prior speech or debate experience is needed. Training and support are provided, and many parents find judging surprisingly fun and engaging. See the “Judging” tab for more details.
Snack Sign-Up Form:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BAEAA2CAAF8C16-58695389-speech#/
Debate practice meets Wednesdays after school and Speech practice meets Thursdays after school. After a full school day, students get hungry, and snacks make a big difference in focus and morale.
Signing up for snacks is easy. Drop them off at the main office on the day of practice, and a team member will pick them up or the office will deliver them to the practice room.
Great snack ideas include:
Fresh fruit platters or individual fruit like apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges
Veggie platters with hummus or ranch
Healthier chips such as baked chips, pita chips, popcorn, or tortilla chips
Mini protein bars or protein bites
Granola bars or oat bars
Cheese sticks or cheese cubes
Trail mix or nut-free snack mix
Crackers with individual hummus or nut-free spreads
Yogurt tubes or drinkable yogurt
Pretzels or pretzel packs
Homemade snacks are always a special treat and very much appreciated.
Judging Sign-Up:
Contact Parent Coordinator Carrie Richardson <carrie@hometeamportland.com>
Each February, Lincoln High School hosts the Rose City Debate Tournament, a two-day event held on campus. More than 550 students, judges, and volunteers fill our halls, and this tournament is a major point of pride for our program.
Our goal is for teams to leave saying, “They really took care of us — let’s keep this tournament on the calendar.” That only happens with strong parent support. We need extra judges, food for judges, coaches, and volunteers, and many helping hands to keep everything running smoothly and on time.
Every student and every family is expected to contribute to the tournament we host.
In 2026, the Rose City Tournament will be held February 27–28 and will serve as the North Oregon District Qualifier for the National Tournament in Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and Congress. This is a big deal, and it truly requires all hands on deck.
We deeply appreciate every time you volunteer — whether it’s driving, judging, providing snacks, or helping with the Rose City Tournament.
Your involvement makes everything we do possible.
Student sign-up pages are used for tournament registration, parties, and other team activities. Before students sign up for anything — especially events where they list a parent as a volunteer — they must confirm availability with their parents in advance. Likewise, parents should coordinate with students before committing.
Clear communication helps everything run smoothly.
If you have questions about volunteering, Contact Head Coach Ben Harrison <bharrison@pps.net>