A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER FOR ITS VISION AND SUCCESS AND TO DECLARE FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026, AS "SPEECH AND DEBATE EDUCATION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, National Speech and Debate Education Day, observed on the first Friday in March, recognizes the vital role scholastic speech and debate programs play in shaping students' critical thinking, research, writing, public speaking, and civic engagement skills; and

 

Whereas, recognition of these skills carries special significance in South Carolina, where Sumter High School has reestablished a speech and debate program for the first time in more than two decades and now serves as the only active National Speech and Debate Association chapter across the Midlands, Pee Dee, and Lowcountry regions; and

 

Whereas, Sumter High School's program began after two students expressed a desire to compete despite limited initial resources. A Pay It Forward Grant provided the foundation for official membership and competition; and

 

Whereas, following early tournament success, the Sumter High team worked collaboratively with school leadership and community partners to address the logistical demands of travel and competition through fundraisers, civic sponsorships, and service initiatives, including a community blood drive benefiting local hospitals; and

 

Whereas, in its inaugural season, more than forty students joined the team, multiple tournaments were attended, and students earned numerous top placements across several events; and

 

Whereas, despite its geographic distance from other active programs, Sumter High successfully hosted its first virtual tournament, welcoming sixteen schools with more than one hundred seventy entries and marking a significant milestone in the program's growth and regional impact; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives salutes the students and faculty members of the Sumter High School chapter of the National Speech and Debate Association and encourage citizens across the State to value this vital aspect of education for our youth. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Sumter High School Speech and Debate Association chapter for its vision and success and declare Friday, March 6, 2026, as "Speech and Debate Education Day" in South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sumter High School chapter of the National Speech and Debate Association.

----XX----