Why First Coast?

First Coast teaches students competitive speech and debate, providing them with a means and a reason to develop critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills. We are a Christian organization that focuses on the mentorship and development of our students towards a biblical worldview. 

Our speech program focuses on learning the basic structures of speeches that can be applied in various situations. We learn how to communicate using pre-written scripts, limited preparation events, and interpretation of literature.

Through debate, students engage in civil discourse and learn to understand both sides of an argument deeply. Different forms of debate are available for students depending on the league.  Debate teaches students the power of research and how to persuade with the truth. 

While preparing and presenting speeches, students learn that their words matter. They do not have to wait for adulthood to enact change. They can speak now and make a difference to their judges and fellow competitors. 

Most of all, competitors learn to express their own faith and values and how their lives have been changed by them. Speech and debate are two activities that benefit students no matter where they go after high school.