Earning Degrees

When students join Hendersonville Speech and Debate they also become members of the National Speech and Debate Association. As students compete they will earn points that go toward Honor Society Degrees. Degrees recognize progress, provide motivation, and offer distinction. When each new degree is won students will receive a seal for their custom membership certification. Upon graduating, students will receive a final seal on their diploma that corresponds with their degrees earned throughout their tenure of the program. 

Students must first earn 25 points to become a member of  the NSDA. Once students earn enough points to become members they will be able to earn the following degrees: 

Earning Merit Points

Students earn points through competition, service, and leadership activities. Whether debating in the classroom, volunteering, speaking at a rally, or acting on stage, students use what they learn from speech and debate everyday. Merit points reward and encourage students to use their skills to improve their schools and communities.